Expo promotes travel in Korea to boost tourism
A pottery-making demonstration at the Korea Travel Expo last year. Provided by KTO
To help travelers pick a destination and arrange their trips, the Korea Tourism Organization is holding the 2008 Korea Travel Expo at COEX in Gangnam, southern Seoul.
The expo kicks off tomorrow and runs through Saturday.
Domestic tourism has suffered recently because of the number of Koreans spending their holidays, and their wage packets, overseas.
This has caused a service deficit, meaning more money is being spent on services outside of Korea than inside.
Through the expo, now in its fifth year, the KTO wants to address this imbalance by encouraging people to take advantage of the five-day workweek, which was introduced in July 2004.
Taking part will be more than 260 regional governments, travel agencies and related institutions promoting tourist destinations, giving out travel tips and selling regional goods.
Entertainment at the expo will include traditional Korean dance performances, classes on how to make Korean pottery, jazz bands, a performance involving a native Korean dog called a sapsal and other regional activities.
This year has been designated “Visit South Jeolla Year,” following last year’s efforts to encourage more people to visit North Gyeongsang. South Jeolla boasts mountains such as Mount Jiri, easy access to hundreds of islands like Jin and Hong, a beautiful coastline and scenic national parks.
Taean will also be a center of attention this year with its own booth. Its industry was ravaged following the massive oil spill last December. The local economy has suffered and fewer tourists are expected than before the accident.
There will also be a seminar for people interested in the business aspect of tourism here. The seminar will look at strengthening business-to-business services among tourism agencies.
Another aim is to increase tourism among people with mental or physical disabilities.
Admission to the expo costs 2,000 won ($2.10), but it is free for visitors under 18 or over 65, people with physical or mental disabilities or war veterans.
If you visit the exhibition’s Web site at www.naenara.or.kr, you can print out an invitation for free admission.
By Lee Ho-jeong Staff Reporter [ojlee82@joongang.co.kr]
with the Korea JoongAng Daily
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