Tourism in South Korea
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Tourism in South Korea refers to the tourist industry in the Republic of Korea. Over six million foreign tourists visited South Korea in 2006.[1] Foreign tourists spent $2.92 billion on sightseeing that year and foreign spending on business trips came to $2.31 billion, according to government data.[2] South Korea ranked 31st in tourism revenues in 2006.[3] Most non-Korean tourists come from Japan, China, Taiwan, or Hong Kong. The recent popularity of Korean popular culture in these countries has given international tourism a boost. Seoul is the principal tourist destination for non-Korean visitors.
Popular tourist destinations outside of Seoul include Seorak-san national park, the historic city of Gyeongju, and semi-tropical Jeju Island. Travel to North Korea is not normally possible except with special permission, but in recent years organised group tours have taken South Korean nationals to Kŭmgang-san mountain.
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[edit] International and domestic tourism
The majority of the South Korean tourist industry is supported by domestic tourism. Thanks to the country's extensive network of trains and buses, most of the country lies within a day's round trip of any major city. Every major city in South Korea has an airport and some cities, such as Seoul, Incheon, Busan, Daegu, Gwangju, and Jeju, have airports serving international routes.
International tourists come primarily from nearby countries in Asia. Japan, China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan together account for roughly 75% of the total number of international tourists[citation needed]. In addition, the Korean wave has brought increasing numbers of tourists from Southeast Asia.
International tourists typically enter the country through Incheon International Airport, near Seoul, which in 2006 was found to be the world's best airport. Some others enter through the country's other international ports and airports, particularly Busan.
[edit] Governmental support
Through the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and its constituent Korea Tourism Organization (KTO), the South Korean government works actively to support tourism within South Korea. This is promoted so as to boost the local economy, reduce the drain of funds overseas, and to improve the country's international image. The KTO aims to attract 10 million inbound visitors to South Korea by the year 2010.[5]
[edit] Tourist attractions
South Korea's most famous historical tourist attractions include the ancient capitals of Seoul, Gyeongju and Buyeo. Most international tourists come to Seoul, to experience both the classical and modern aspects of Korean culture.
A number of natural landmarks are important tourist attractions. The biggest of these are the peaks of the Baekdudaegan, particularly Seorak-san and Jiri-san. In addition, the caves of Danyang and Samcheok, and beaches such as Haeundae and Mallipo are popular attractions.
Apart from Jeju, South Korea's many smaller islands also play an important role as tourist attractions. Excursion ferries are quite common along the south and west coasts, and also to Ulleung-do off the east coast. Limited tourism to the Liancourt Rocks (Dokdo) has grown in recent years.
Most local districts hold several annual festivals to bring in tourists from elsewhere in the country. Some famous examples include the Boryeong Mud Festival and the Cheongdo Bullfighting Festival.
[edit] Travel abroad
Since the economic boom of the 1980s, South Korean tourism to other countries has grown steadily. In 2006, South Koreans spent more than 10 trillion won ($11.1 billion) on overseas tourism.[6] The majority of travelers visit the neighboring countries of China and Japan, but many go further afield. Southeast Asia, North America, Europe, and Oceania are all popular destinations.
[edit] Inter-Korean tourism
Since the late 1990s, limited numbers of tourists from South Korea have been permitted to visit certain cites in North Korea. The most prominent example is the famed mountain of Kumgang-san, near the DMZ.
[edit] Events
The hosting of large international events has played an important role in raising South Korea's profile for international tourists. These include the 1988 Summer Olympics and the 2002 World Cup, which was jointly hosted by Korea and Japan, as well as the 2005 APEC conference and the 1993 Taejon Expo.
[edit] Notes
[edit] References
- Korean Overseas Information Service (2004). Handbook of Korea 4th ed.. Seoul: Hollym. ISBN 1-5659-1212-8.
[edit] See also
- KTO (Korea Tourism Organization)
- Korean culture
- Contemporary culture of South Korea
- Tourism in Gyeongju
- List of Korea-related topics
[edit] External links
- Tour2Korea, the Korea Tourism Organization’s website (English)
- Ministry of Culture and Tourism (English)
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