KTO brings global payment apps to local markets for tourists

The Korea Tourism Organization has launched a project in partnership with overseas payment services -- including WeChat Pay, Alipay and UnionPay -- to make it easier for foreign visitors to make purchases at local small businesses and traditional markets using their smartphones. According to the KTO, it has teamed up with the Korea Easy Payment Foundation to enable tourists to pay by QR code -- a method commonly used by Koreans at traditional markets and tourist sites as an alternative to cash -

Dec. 3, 2024

Korail presents new train trip for Korean ‘jang’ experience

Korail Tourism Development, a subsidiary of Korea Railroad Corp., is offering a two-day train trip to experience the country’s “jang” culture, the traditional Korean methods of making fermented pastes and sauces, from Dec. 13 to 14. Developed in collaboration with the Korean Food Promotion Institute and the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, this one-time train trip will bring tourists to Damyang and Sunchang, North Jeolla Province -- two iconic locations in South

Dec. 2, 2024

Escape winter chill in the comfort of private listening room, cinema

As the cold settles in with daytime temperatures dropping down below 5 degrees Celsius across the country, many may be crossing last-minute fall foliage appreciation off their to-do lists to be replaced with cozier indoor options. From unique cafes to large shopping complexes and the latest pop-up stores, Seoul has an abundance of indoor entertainment for spending time with friends and family. Those in search of a calmer atmosphere or hoping to avoid crowds might enjoy the comfort and privacy of

Nov. 30, 2024

October foreign visitors jump 30 percent on-year

Korea welcomed 30.1 percent more foreign visitors this October compared to the same month last year, nearly matching pre-pandemic levels of 2019. The state-run Korea Tourism Organization reported Friday that 1,690,263 tourists visited Korea in October 2024, reaching 97 percent of the October 2019 figures. Most markets saw strong growth compared to last year. Chinese visitors led the charge with a 57.2 percent increase, while Taiwan and the Philippines each recorded 35.6 percent growth. Japanese

Nov. 29, 2024

[Around the Hotels] Promotions and packages

Four Seasons Hotel Seoul collaborates with Hublot The Four Seasons Hotel Seoul, located in Jongno-gu, central Seoul, is offering a new artistic gastronomy experience in collaboration with Swiss premium watchmaker Hublot until Jan. 14, 2025. Inspired by Hublot’s philosophy “Art of Fusion,” flower artist Nicolai Bergmann presents his floral creations in the hotel lobby, featuring preserved white carnations and hydrangeas. The hotel’s Charles H. bar will offer two Hublot-ins

Nov. 29, 2024

[Travel Bits] Festivals, sights across Korea

10,000 mums at Hallim Park Hallim Park on Jeju Island, known for showcasing different flower varieties each month, is highlighting over 10,000 chrysanthemums of 50 types for November. Available at the park, open everyday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., are flower beds and smaller gardens with ponds and hiking trails. A shuttle covers major stops on the ground. Admission is 15,000 won for adults. Visit hallimpark.com. All-in-one park in Paju First Garden Park in Paju, Gyeonggi Province, offer

Nov. 29, 2024

Hikers thrilled by early winter mountainscape

With the major November snowstorm, students, workers and drivers might have started the day with a frown while walking on the icy roads, waiting for delayed public transportation and unexpectedly hit by snow falling from trees and buildings. However, passionate hikers may feel somewhat differently. “I never expected to bring out my winter mountain gear this early,” Hong Young-sik, a Guro-gu resident in his 70s, who visited Gwanaksan told The Korea Herald on Thursday. Though Hong knew

Nov. 28, 2024

Maisan trails among popular destinations to close for winter

After an unusually warm fall season, the first snow of the winter arrived in most parts of the country Wednesday. With the arrival of winter, many of South Korea's popular tourist destinations are scheduled to go on a long winter break, closing down for the season. Jinan, a rural county in North Jeolla Province, announced Tuesday the closure of the mountain trail for its iconic Maisan starting Wednesday. The 600-meter-long walking trail that stretches from Guardians Gate to Ammai Peak and t

Nov. 27, 2024

Ski slopes around the country open for business

Skiiers and snowboarders can get their adrenalin rush starting this weekend as the recent drop in temperature has many of the ski resorts in South Korea ready to open their slopes. Phoenix Snow Park, a popular ski resort in Pyeongchang, Gangwon Province, announced that its slopes will open Friday, almost a week later than last year. Six of its slopes were used for freestyle skiing and snowboarding in the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics and snowboarders will appreciate the Olympic-standard half-

Nov. 26, 2024

[Photo News] Mural street in Bucheon

A new mural street at Bucheondaehangno in Bucheon, Gyeonggi Province, features cartoon murals by seven Korean and international artists. Bucheon, home of Bucheon International Animation Festival, collaborated with Korea Manhwa Contents Agency to create murals on a stretch of the street filled with trendy shops, cafes and restaurants. (Korea Manhwa Contents Agency)

Nov. 25, 2024

Gyeongju blends old with new

Gyeongju, the ancient capital of the Silla Kingdom (57 BC–935 AD) in today's North Gyeongsang Province in the southeastern Korean Peninsula, is sometimes called a “roofless museum” for its centuries-old temples, palaces, royal tombs and treasures scattered around different areas of the city. With great accessibility to Silla’s legacy along with a blend of nature, history and culture, the city enjoys a reputation among Koreans as a must-visit tourist destination. The

Nov. 23, 2024

Culture ministry, KTO to focus on barrier-free tourism

Turning South Korean cities into a barrier free, mobility-friendly tourist destination will be one of the major objectives of Korea Tourism Organization next year. According to the KTO, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the travel organization will be accepting applications from metropolitan cities and local governments that are aimed to improve convenience for tourists, starting from Friday to Jan. 16. KTO is scheduled to name a third barrier-free tourism area, following Gangneung

Nov. 22, 2024

[Photo News] Winter at Legoland Korea Resort

From Friday to Christmas Day, Legoland Korea Resort -- a theme park in Chuncheon, Gangwon Province -- will be holding its seasonal winter festival, “Merry Brickmas.” The event features musical performances, lighting ceremonies for a 9-meter Lego Christmas tree, special quests for visitors, and the new Holiday Snow Play and Bricktopia Lounge attractions. Musical shows featuring Legoland mascots Mike and Amy will take place twice a day at 12:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. at Ninjago Theater, while

Nov. 22, 2024

[Around the Hotels] Promotions and packages

Banyan Tree Club & Spa Seoul presents enchanting Christmas cakes Banyan Tree Club & Spa Seoul, a serene retreat on the slopes Namsan in central Seoul, is offering four decadent Christmas cakes from Dec. 14 to 25. Indulge in the signature Noel C’est la Vir, a pistachio and berry creation that tastes as delightful as it looks. Vanilla lovers will swoon over the Noel Fraise, featuring custard cream and strawberries. For chocolate aficionados, the Neige is a rich pairing of cassis and

Nov. 22, 2024

[Travel Bits] Festivals, sights across Korea

Mums at Jeju Folk Village Find fields of chrysanthemums at their peak at Jeju Folk Village, where visitors can also get an idea of how life on the island looked in the 19th century. Flower installations make for a perfect setting to take a few snaps. The flower festival ends on Sunday. Admission for adults is 15,000 won, discounted for seniors, teens and children. Visit jejufolk.com for more information. Light festival at Ansan Star Village A light festival is running year-round in Ans

Nov. 22, 2024

Explore last-minute fall getaways in Danyang

With South Korea experiencing sudden cold snap, the next few weeks will be your last chance for a fall getaway. If you missed this year’s fall foliage you might still catch a glimpse at Danyang, North Chungcheong Province, where the traces of autumn have yet to disappear. Hikers can explore Guinsa, the head temple of Cheontae Buddhism, or Sobaeksan, a popular mountain located in eastern Danyang. The trails in both places are steep in many areas and will have hikers out of breath as they ma

Nov. 21, 2024

With 'Suneung' discounts, theme parks eye influx of high school seniors

South Korea's iconic theme parks are offering large discounts for this year’s Suneung-takers, looking to lure high school seniors and graduates looking to shake of some exam stress. This year's suneung, South Korea’s college scholastic aptitude test, took place on Nov. 14. The theme parks have begun their annual promotions aimed at test-takers looking to destress and celebrate their hard work. Everland -- South Korea’s largest theme park in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province -

Nov. 18, 2024

Hallasan to welcome visitors now without trail reservations

Hallasan, the highest mountain on Jeju Island and in South Korea, is scheduled to launch a reservation-free period for its popular mountain trails, including Gwaneumsa Trail and Seongpanak Trail, starting from Nov. 27 to Dec. 27. Jeju’s provincial government and Hallasan National Park has been limiting the number of hikers for the two Hallasan mountain trails -- a maximum of 500 and 1,000 visitors a day for Gwaneumsan Trail and Seongpanak Trail, respectively -- to ensure the travelers&rsqu

Nov. 17, 2024

[Travel Bits] Festivals, sights across Korea

Moonlight walk by Nowon stream Take a nighttime walk along Danghyeoncheon, a stream in Nowon-gu, Seoul -- a path adorned with installations. The free annual festival invites visitors to think about “breath” this year as they view works by 24 teams of installation artists, including two teams from Taiwan. The stream, between Sanggye Station on Subway Line No. 4 and Junggye Station on Subway Line No. 7, will be open from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. through Sunday. For more information, visit

Nov. 15, 2024

[Travel Bits] Festivals, sights across Korea

Pink muhly at Hueree The Pink Muhly Festival is running at Hueree Park on Jeju Island through Nov. 17. Relish in the shining pink muhly grass -- a tall, flowering variety known for its mauve-hued inflorescences. Admission costs 13,000 won for adults with discounts available for those younger and those participating in group tours. For more information, go to hueree.com. Autumn colors at Hwadam The Autumn Colors Festival is taking place at Hwadam, a botanical garden bursting with fall f

Nov. 8, 2024