Latest news with #KTO
Time Business News
18 hours ago
- Time Business News
Why South Korea Should Be Your Next Travel Destination in Asia
Planning a trip to Asia can be exciting but also confusing. There are many countries to choose from—Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, and more. But have you ever thought about South Korea? Many travelers skip it because they believe it's just about K-pop or high-tech cities. But South Korea is much more than that. This country offers a mix of old traditions and modern life. You can explore ancient palaces in the morning, enjoy street food in the afternoon, and watch a K-drama filming location in the evening. It's safe, clean, and easy to get around—even if you don't speak Korean. When people think about traveling to Asia, they usually get stuck choosing between big names like Japan, Thailand, or Vietnam. With so many countries offering beaches, temples, and street food, it's easy to overlook one that's just as exciting— South Korea . Many travelers skip Korea because it's all city life, K-pop concerts, or too expensive. Some don't know what to expect. Others think they need to speak Korean to enjoy the trip. As a result, South Korea often ends up lower on the 'Asia travel' list—even though it shouldn't be. Not considering South Korea might be missing one of Asia's most balanced travel spots. It's got modern cities, historic villages, mountains, beaches, and famous food—all packed into a country about the size of Indiana. It's also safe, clean, and has one of the best transport systems in the world. A report from the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) in 2023 showed that over 17.5 million visitors came to South Korea that year. The numbers grew sharply after borders reopened following COVID-19, especially among solo travelers and digital nomads. The same study showed that visitors most enjoyed: Street food markets like Gwangjang in Seoul like Gwangjang in Seoul Historical palaces and temples Public transportation ease (over 70% use buses or subways daily) (over 70% use buses or subways daily) Korean pop culture experiences, from K-dramas to music tours Here are real, practical reasons why South Korea should be your next stop in Asia: 1. Easy to Get Around You don't need to rent a car or speak Korean to move around. South Korea's public transport system ranks among the top 5 worldwide. The KTX (high-speed trains) connect major cities like Seoul, Busan, and Daejeon. Subways are color-coded and have signs in English, Chinese, and Japanese. ✅ T-money card works across buses, subways, and even some taxis. ✅ Subway rides in Seoul cost about KRW 1,400 (just over $1). ✅ Trains are punctual, clean, and safe even at night. South Korea ranks high in safety. The Global Peace Index has listed Korea as safer than many Western countries, especially for solo and female travelers. In Seoul, you can visit a 1,400-year-old palace in the morning and then explore a virtual reality café in the afternoon. There's a real connection between tradition and modern life here. Korean food is delicious, affordable, and easy to find. Most meals at local restaurants cost between KRW 6,000 and 9,000 ($4.50 and $7). You can get bibimbap, bulgogi, or jjigae (Korean stew) served with free side dishes called banchan . Don't miss: Gwangjang Market (Seoul) – try mung bean pancakes and spicy rice cakes – try mung bean pancakes and spicy rice cakes Jagalchi Market (Busan) – fresh seafood at outdoor tables – fresh seafood at outdoor tables Jeonju – known for its bibimbap and food alleys If you like K-pop, K-dramas, Korean skincare, or even martial arts like taekwondo, you'll find places that let you see it up close. Fans can visit filming spots, K-pop dance classes, and themed cafés. Even big cities are never far from hiking trails, beaches, or temples. Within one hour of Seoul, you can reach: Bukhansan National Park for mountain hikes for mountain hikes Namhansanseong Fortress for forest walks and history for forest walks and history Incheon's Eurwangni Beach for a quick seaside day Further out, you can enjoy: Seoraksan National Park (3 hours from Seoul): stunning in autumn (3 hours from Seoul): stunning in autumn Jeju Island: Korea's volcano island with lava tubes, waterfalls, and beaches No matter when you visit, something is going on—from cherry blossom festivals in spring to lantern and mud festivals in summer and fall. ✅ Example: Jinju Lantern Festival lights up an entire riverbank in October ✅ Example: Boryeong Mud Festival brings thousands together in July for games and fun on the beach ✅ Example: Gwangju Biennale features international art every two years South Korea is the answer if you're planning your next trip to Asia and want something safe, rich in culture, affordable, and easy to explore. Whether walking through royal palaces, eating hot tteokbokki at a street stall, hiking in national parks, or joining a K-pop fan tour, Korea lets you mix and match your trip to fit your style. You don't need to speak Korean or have a luxury budget. All you need is a curiosity to experience real places, meet kind people, and enjoy a country where everything, from food to festivals, is built to welcome travelers. So skip the confusion. South Korea should be your next Asian stop—it might be your favorite yet. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Korea Herald
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
New Korean pop culture space opens at Incheon Airport
A space promoting Korean culture, from K-pop to beauty, opened Thursday at Incheon Airport's Terminal 1 transportation center. The state-run Korea Tourism Organization launched HiKR Station, featuring different areas for creating K-pop-focused YouTube shorts using extended reality technology, taking photos against the backdrop of Korean landscapes and trying Korean makeup. 'The zone isn't just about promoting everything that's Korean. It's where we strategize delivering the best impression of Korea when foreign arrivals set foot here,' said Seo Young-choong, acting president of the KTO. 'We will continue to come up with ways to make Korea travel memorable,' Seo added. English-speaking staff are available at all times at HiKR Station, which is open free of charge from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day, closing on the last Wednesday of every month. Through Monday, the HiKR Station will host dance performances and hand out souvenirs to raise awareness of its opening, according to the KTO. Other cultural establishments like the K-Culture Museum are also located in Terminal 1. The opening of HiKR Station at Incheon Airport has been prompted by the growing popularity of HiKR Ground, a hands-on experience zone advancing Korean culture from music to art at the KTO's Seoul branch in Jung-gu. The space, which opened in July 2022, has since drawn over 2 million visitors, much higher than the initial estimate by the KTO, the agency said.
Korea Herald
20-05-2025
- Business
- Korea Herald
Korea showcases medical and beauty tourism at Kuwait Health & Beauty Festa
The Korea Tourism Organization and South Korea's Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism hosted the 2025 Korea Health & Beauty Festa in Kuwait from Thursday to Saturday, spotlighting Korean health care, beauty products and medical tourism to Middle Eastern audiences. The event aimed to promote South Korea's growing health and beauty tourism industry, particularly targeting high-income travelers in oil-producing nations like Kuwait. These travelers often take extended trips abroad and show increasing interest in wellness and cosmetic services. According to the KTO, the number of Kuwaiti tourists visiting South Korea in 2024 rose 27 percent compared to prepandemic levels. Among them, many medical tourists sought treatment at dermatology clinics, Korean medicine clinics and plastic surgery centers. The festival, held at The Avenues — the second-largest shopping mall in the Middle East— drew more than 400,000 visitors. Attendees experienced a wide array of offerings, including Korean beauty products, personal color consultations, AI skin diagnostics and nail art demonstrations. On May 16-17, the festival's business-to-business consultation event took place at the Jumeirah Hotel Kuwait, bringing together more than 100 professionals from both countries' health care and tourism sectors. Discussions focused on expanding cooperation in the medical tourism industry. The three-day event resulted in 2,481 on-site consultations and led to 189 contracts and memoranda of understanding, with projected revenue of approximately 3 billion won ($2.15 million). 'Middle Eastern visitors to Korea spend an average of $3,637 per person, more than 70 percent higher than the average international visitor. This makes the region a high-value, emerging market," a KTO official said. The official added that the festival marked a turning point for medical tourism in the region, shifting the focus from treatment of serious illnesses to services like dermatology and cosmetic skin care, especially amid growing social openness and wellness interests among Middle Eastern women.
CNA
25-04-2025
- Entertainment
- CNA
Squid Game star Yim Si-wan will be in Singapore in May for Korea travel fair
The third season of Squid Game will only air in June but fans in Singapore will be able to get up close and personal with one of its stars in May. South Korean actor-singer Yim Si-wan – who plays Lee Myung-gi/Player 333 on the show – will make an appearance at Plaza Singapura on Saturday (May 17) as part of the Korea Travel Fair 2025: Your Gateway To K-Culture. Organised by the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Singapore and South Korea, the fair will take place from May 16 to 18 and will feature booths offering the likes of travel packages to South Korea, games and crafts. There will be also be workshops for K-pop dances and traditional lantern-making. View this post on Instagram A post shared by 임시완 (@yim_siwang) Yim will take the stage on Saturday morning, where he will share personal travel stories and recommendations, including insights into his hometown of Busan and food picks. Also present at the fair is South Korean singer Punch, who made waves with the song Stay With Me, the signature track from the megahit 2016 drama Guardian: The Lonely And Great God (aka Goblin) starring Gong Yoo and Lee Dong-wook. Punch will be performing songs from K-dramas during the opening ceremony of Korea Travel Fair 2025. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Korea Tourism Organization SG (@kto_singapore)
Fashion Value Chain
23-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Fashion Value Chain
Amorepacific Day x Nykaa: Shop K-Beauty, Win a Korea Trip
Amorepacific Day is back! From April 25–27, Nykaa, Amorepacific, and the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) are teaming up for the second edition of this vibrant celebration of K-beauty, culture, and skincare—with an exciting twist. Shoppers on Nykaa's online and offline stores can indulge in exclusive deals on bestselling Amorepacific skincare and beauty products. From luxurious serums to cult-favorite creams, there's something for every K-beauty fan. But that's not all—five lucky shoppers will win a 3-night, 4-day dream trip to Korea with return flights and accommodation, sponsored by KTO and powered by Thomas Cook as the official travel partner. The trip promises an immersive experience into the beauty, lifestyle, and rich culture of Korea. 'This isn't just a sale—it's a journey,' said Paul Lee, MD, Amorepacific India. 'We're excited to offer both beauty and unforgettable experiences to our Indian customers.' Nykaa added, 'K-beauty has captured hearts in India, and this collaboration takes that love further—with both skincare and cultural discovery.' This campaign is a bold fusion of self-care and aspiration, inviting Indian consumers to go from cart to Korea—making global beauty not only accessible but also experiential. Campaign Highlights: Name: Korean Glow Getaway Dates: April 25–27 Where: Nykaa (Online + Stores) Perks: Up to 50% off + exclusive freebies Contest: Shop to win a trip to Korea Partners: KTO and Thomas Cook
