2004 was an excellent year for Korea, the highlights being the origination of the Three Countries Tourism Project, coordinating the efforts of Korea, Japan and China…
2004 was an excellent year for Korea, the highlights being the origination of the Three Countries Tourism Project, coordinating the efforts of Korea, Japan and China for regional travel development.
2004 – PGA Golf Championships Jeju Island
The “2004 PGA Tour Shinhan Korea Golf Championship” took place at the Jungman Golf Club for a week from November 22 – 28. Thirty-six stars from nine countries took part in this PGA Tour tournament. This was the first PGA official tour tournament in Asia.
2004 – KTX High-speed rail service inaugurated
In April 2004 the 300km/h high-speed railway service began servicing the nation, making it possible to traverse the country in less than half a day. Seoul to Busan (412km in distance/ cost approx £25 one-way) will take just 2 hours and 30 minutes. The rail advance is a breakthrough in convenience for all travellers and is expected to increase tourism in regional areas of Korea. For more information contact Korea Rail Network Authority Tel: 0082 2 729 9553. www.korail.go.kr
2004 – Korean wave campaign
2004 has seen global acknowledgement of Korean TV dramas, pop music, fashion and films (film titles include ‘Old Boy’ & ‘Spring, summer, autumn, winter and summer’). A `Korean Wave` has started to sweep the world – with teens and young adults at its centre. As a result, the film locations of popular TV dramas have been gaining immense interest amongst tourists. The fashion industry has also picked-up on this new wave of interest and has predicted that European style will also be influenced by it.
2005 – FIS Snowboard World Cup in Hyundai Sungwoo Resort
February 2005 see the world’s top snowboarders descend on Hyundai Sungwoo Resort for the FIS Snowboard World Cup. The FIS Snowboard World Cup, the largest snowboarding championship sponsored by FIS (International Ski Federation), will be held on February 25 & 26, 2005 at Hyundai Sungwoo Resort in Gangwon-do Province. The championships will provide thrills and spills as Snowboarders and skiers acrobatically flip and rotate in the air, making it a particularly popular winter sport among young people. 200 of the world`s top snowboarders, from 30 countries, will be displaying their moves at the Snowboard World Cup, which starts in Germany during October goes via Korea and ends in Sweden in March 2005. For more information contact Snowboard World Cup Organizing Committee, Tel: 82-2-6242-3100 web: www.fis-ski.com, e-mail: kjkimboss@msn.com.
2005 – Focus on Stopovers and cultural niche marketing
Korea is a unique destination and our focus this year is on ‘Stopovers’ & ‘cultural niche marketing’, through programmes that encapsulate Korean culture, such as Taekwondo and Templestay experiences. Festivals are also a major part of Korean culture and tradition, which provide travellers with unique events and travel opportunities, such as, Mt. Taebaeksan Snow Festival, where tourist have the chance to carve snow sculptures, ride on Siberian husky dog sleds, mountain climbing and sledding. This is followed by the Ski & Snow Festival in the Gangwon-do Province and takes place in January. At the other end of the year the ‘Busan Film Festival’ takes place in October 2005. A copy of ‘Korea Cultural Festivals 2005’ can be obtained from the address below or visit www.tour2korea.com.
2005 – Destination Korea for meetings and incentive groups
2005 will see Busan as host city for APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit. A good indication of the heavy investment in Korea’s convention facilities and major events that are being attracted to our destination as Korea’s reputation in this field grows.
2005 – Korea online game travels to major tourist sites
If one does not make it in person to Korea this year, why not try ‘Ragnarok’, a new online game played by millions of users in more than 20 countries. The backdrop of the game is many of Korea’s main tourist sites.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
