[News Article] Mix of Past, Present ― Korea's Tourism Pulse

Nation Posts Largest-Ever Tourism Revenue of $10 Billion in 2008

By Kwon Mee-yoo
Staff Reporter

An ideal mix of 5,000 years of history and modern culture makes Korea an attractive tourist destination. Full of unique charms, the country has infinite possibilities in tourism.

Tourism in Korea thrived last year. Despite the fallout from the global economic meltdown, the nation's tourism sector drew some 6.9 million tourists and posted a record $10 billion in revenue, according to the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO).

It's a global trend that a strong tourism industry is one of the most important factors driving a nation's economic growth, with the sector expected to account for 11 percent of the world's gross domestic product by 2010. In Korea, tourism will definitely emerge as a leading growth engine to power the nation's economic growth in this globalization era, KTO says.

On top of a weaker won against major currencies that contributed to boosting sector, the KTO sustained efforts to improve tour infrastructure and develop new tour programs are bearing fruit. It also proves Korea's potential to grow into a tourism power in Asia in the future.

Among the unique experiences available for foreign tourists are old palaces, temple stays, Korean cuisine, various performances, shopping and medical tourism.

Palaces

The palaces are symbols of Seoul and harbor the history of Korea. Seoul, the capital of the nation with over 600 years of history, has five major palaces located at its heart. They were built during the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910).

Gyeongbok Palace, the largest and grandest among the quintet, is also famous for its gate opening and closing ceremony and guard change.

The sumunjang, or commander of the gate guard, was the chief military officer who led the guards of the main gates and royal palaces of Seoul.

The ceremony was a symbolic act showing their devotion to the king. The reenactment is based on historical research, including carefully arranged procedure, all uniforms, weapons and accessories, and recreates an impressive spectacle.

The Royal Family Outing, another reenactment event, offers an intimate insight into the everyday life of a Joseon royal household.

The event features some 30 actors playing the role of the king, queen and their servants out on a walk in the garden of the palace. The plot twists ― such as when the crown prince, shirking from his study, runs into the king and queen ― add fun to the dramatic reenactment of a daily scene in a royal palace.

These events give spectators opportunities to appreciate a part of the colorful culture of the Joseon Kingdom and help them better understand the cultural and historical background.

Temple Stays

Temple stays are unique cultural experiences for foreigners designed to introduce them to Korean Buddhism. It is an experience that revolves around the idea that an individual can they are making ``a journey in search of myself.''

The Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism lists 43 temples offering temple stay programs. Participants can experience ceremonial services involving chanting, Zen meditation, tea drinking and communal meals.

While staying at a temple, visitors are required to follow its rules and customs. They have to wake up early to join the pre-dawn ceremonial service at around 4 a.m. and learn how to use chopsticks and arrange Korean traditional bedding in line with an under floor-heating room. There are Buddhist martial arts, lotus lantern making, prayer bead making and other activities for those who want to taste more of Korean Buddhism.

Some of the temples have English translation services. They include Golgulsa Temple in North Gyeongsang Province; Magoksa Temple in South Chungcheong Province and Jakwangsa Temple in Daejeon.

Korean Food

Drawing greater attention from foreigners is Korean food. According to a survey, cuisine ranked second both as the reason why tourists visit Korea and as the thing that impressed them most.

The Korean government has taken the initiative to globalize hansik, or Korean food. To achieve the goal, the food ministry is working on the standardization of Korean food, recruiting quality cooks specializing in Korean dishes to publicize Korean cuisine.

The KTO designated 153 restaurants that specialize in serving foreigners to provide scrumptious food and better service.

For example, Bibimbap, literally meaning ``mixed rice,'' is a popular Korean dish. It is served as a bowl of warm white rice topped with an assortment of vegetables, beef, fried egg and pepper paste. The dish is ready to eat when all ingredients are stirred together thoroughly.

Nonverbal Performances

The performing arts market in Korea has been growing steadily since Visit Korea Year 2001 and the 2002 World Cup, which was co-hosted here. In 2008, some 500,000 foreign tourists watched various performances while visiting the country.

Foreigners might suffer language barriers when watching local performances so those of the nonverbal variety are more popular among tourists. Some 70 percent audiences are foreign tourists at major nonverbal shows such as ``Nanta,'' ``Jump'' and ``Miso.''

``Nanta,'' which premiered in 1997 and made its international debut in 1999, is one of the hit nonverbal shows that target a foreign audience. It integrates samulnori, or Korean traditional percussion music, and rhythm with drama. It was voted as one of the 10 most famous tourist attractions in Seoul. The five characters beat rhythms on pots, pans and other kitchen utensils as they prepare food for a wedding ceremony.

``Miso'' is presented by the Chongdong Theater and shows all of Korea's traditional performing arts in one slot through the story of a woman in love. The repertoire includes pansori (narrative song), samulnori (percussion quartet) and buchaechum (fan dance).

Shopping

The most popular activity for visitors to Korea, like in most places around the world, is probably shopping. From luxurious goods at department stores to daily necessities in traditional markets, and from duty free shops, department stores, Dongdaemun and Namdaemun markets to the Itaewon and Gangnam areas, Korea is a haven for shoppers. They buy food, such as kimchi and ginseng, and clothing.

Dongdaemun, where old markets co-exist with large shopping malls, offers everything related to fashion. Up-to-date trends as well as various fabrics and materials can be found in this must-visit area.

Namdaemun is different from Dongdaemun, in that it provides a wider range of goods, including clothing, ceramics, household goods and bedding at cheap prices. Tourists can contrast the experience of its wares by popping into the nearby high-end department stores.

meeyoo@koreatimes.co.kr
Article from Korea times http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/

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