Gyeonggi Province designates Hwaseong International Theme Park Tourism District

Gyeonggi Province‘s designation will expedite development of Asia’s largest Paramount-themed park The Paramount theme park project in Gyeonggi Province will get a boost when Gyeonggi Province formally declares an area in Namyang, a town in the western part Hwaseong City, as a theme park district on Tuesday. Gyeonggi Province, on Monday, said that the 2.85 square-kilometer Hwaseong International Theme Park Tourism District would be formally declared Tuesday after receiving approval from the Gyeon

Dec. 30, 2024

Looking for barrier-free forest trails in South Korea? Check this out.

For people with physical disabilities, a forest stroll isn’t always simple. To change that, Naver Map announced Friday that it updated information on 112 special forest trails, known as “barrier-free sharing paths” (mujangae nanum gil), created by the Korea Forest Welfare Institute. The trails feature deck paths and yellow ocher paths, making them safer and more convenient for people with disabilities, pregnant women, those with young children, and older adults to explore. The Naver app now deta

Dec. 28, 2024

Traveling on exclusive Christmas train with digital tour ID

A special Christmas-themed train exclusively for holders of the digital tour ID will operate on Wednesday, according to the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism and the Korea Tourism Organization. The train, which links six regions participating in the digital tour ID program—Jecheon, Danyang, Yeongju, Yeongwol, Jeongseon, and Taebaek—sold out just two days after its release. The digital tour ID program aims to boost tourism in areas experiencing population decline by offering discounts on a

Dec. 24, 2024

Warm weather disrupts winter festivals

Climate change wreaks havoc on major tourist draws As winters have become warmer in South Korea, festivals that rely on freezing temperatures are being pushed back or canceled. Organizers have postponed the opening of the Pyeongchang Trout Festival, one of the country’s signature winter festivals held in Pyeongchang County, Gangwon Province, that invites visitors to fish for trout on a frozen stream. The event, now rescheduled for Jan. 3-Feb. 2, had to factor in the slower freezing of the stream

Dec. 23, 2024

Santa, crowds are coming to Gwanghwamun

As Christmas draws near, Seoul is gearing up for one of its busiest holiday seasons. If you’re planning to head out, brace yourself -- last year’s data shows the Gwanghwamun area was especially packed on Christmas Eve. According to Seoul City, this year looks no different. Last year on Dec. 24 at 7 p.m., Gwanghwamun and Jonggak -- part of the Jongno 1-4-ga-dong district -- saw 86,682 people in the streets, making it the busiest spot in the city. These numbers come from Seoul City’s big data plat

Dec. 22, 2024

Popular year-end destinations offer wintry vibe

Year-end is a time for merrymaking and travel to wintry destinations that bring the year to a close on a high note. This month, the Korea Tourism Organization, the state tourism agency, has recommended four spots to explore before the year runs out. French, Italian villages in Gapyeong Open since 2008, Petite France is a village in Gapyeong, Gyeonggi Province, mirroring a typical French countryside landscape. The theme park, inspired by French author Antoine de Saint-Exupery of “The Little Princ

Dec. 21, 2024

Seoul Facilities Corporation to host ‘Winter Land’ festival

Seoul Facilities Corporation kindles the Christmas spirit with the “Winter Land” festival at Seoul Children’s Grand Park in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul. The festival, running from Saturday through Dec. 25, features a range of attractions, including a festive Christmas market, winter activities and themed photo zones. “We will expand various cultural and leisure programs that enhance the quality of life, striving to make the Seoul Children’s Grand Park a comfortable and attra

Dec. 20, 2024

[Around the Hotels] Promotions and packages

Ring in the New Year at Inspire Mohegan Inspire Entertainment Resort located at Yeongjong Island in Incheon, will host Endless Midnight Countdown event on Dec. 31 to ring in the New Year. Set in the resort's immersive digital entertainment space Aurora, the event starts at 9:30 p.m. on Dec. 31 and continues into Jan. 1, 2025. At Aurora Bar, attendees can enjoy holiday cocktails and watch an immersive media art show. DJ sets and beatbox a cappella performances will build up to the countdown.

Dec. 20, 2024

[Travel Bits] Festivals, sights across Korea

Hampyeong Winter Festival A winter festival is running in Hampyeong County, South Jeolla Province, welcoming visitors to nighttime park views and food trucks. Through Christmas, Hampeyong Expo Park will be lit up from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Exhibition halls will introduce artifacts found in the area alongside photo zone installations. Admission is free. To find out the latest, go to hpftf.or.kr. Gwanghwamun Square market At Gwanghwamun Square through Jan. 5, craft shops and food stalls will

Dec. 20, 2024

Korea Tourism Organization pitches tech tourism

The Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) is ramping up technology-driven initiatives to support tourism companies grappling with persistent labor shortages, a key challenge since the post-pandemic recovery began in early 2023. Kwon Jong-sool, executive director of the KTO’s company support division, sai

Dec. 17, 2024

[Travel Bits] Festivals, sights across Korea

Gwanghwamun Square market At Gwanghwamun Square through Jan. 5, craft shops and food stalls will be open for year-end celebrations. Open from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., starting and ending 30 minutes later from Friday to Sunday, the market festival in its third year hosts over 100 mom-and-pop shops and

Dec. 13, 2024

Culture minister vows to ensure travelers' safety amid martial law turmoil

South Korea's culture minister vowed Monday to make efforts to ensure the safety of travelers to address concerns over the ongoing political turmoil over the botched martial law declaration by President Yoon Suk Yeol last week. Culture Minister Yu In-chon said "The government will do its utmost for the safety and convenience of all visitors (to the country)" during the South Korea-Japan tourism business forum held in Seoul. Vice Culture Minister Jang Mi-ran also said South Koreans

Dec. 9, 2024

Jeju’s winter charms beckon travelers

The Jeju Tourism Organization has curated a selection of iconic travel spots on Jeju Island where holidaymakers can take in the unique winter ambiance and enjoy a memorable travel experience. Ranging from scenic views of nature to hands-on activities, these destinations will delight even the pickiest travelers, allowing them to explore the island without even noticing a chill in the air. Hallasan No trip to Jeju is complete without a visit to Hallasan, the highest mountain in all of South Korea

Dec. 7, 2024

[Photo News] Haeundae Light Festival to illuminate Busan’s winter nights

The 11th edition of Haeundae Light Festival is coming to Busan’s iconic Haeundae Beach and Haeundae Market areas, from Dec. 14 to Feb. 2, 2025. Under the theme of “New Wave Snow Wave,” the festival’s opening ceremony will take place at Haeundae Beach at 6 p.m., featuring a concert by vocalist Kim Jae-hee, media projections and fireworks. The spectacular night view will be presented with the decorative lights, media art, a megasized Christmas tree and a light playground. A

Dec. 6, 2024

Culture Ministry seeks to ease tourism concerns

The Culture Ministry has sought to ease concerns about tourism safety in South Korea following a brief six-hour martial law declaration on Tuesday night. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism shared an official document Thursday with the Korea Tourism Organization, Korea Tourism Association, Korea Association of Travel Agents, and other local travel organizations, confirming that diplomatic notes had been sent to foreign embassies to ensure travelers of their safety. “Daily life in S

Dec. 6, 2024