Travel to Korea

What do you think about a trip to Korea?
Does Korea have any known natural landscapes like the Grand Canyon?
Does Korea have any world heritage like the pyramids?
Korea doesn’t seem too different from China or Japan.
There is no specific image of Korea in my mind.
Koreans look sullen and unfriendly.

2010 International Tourist Arrivals: 940 million
Number of foreign tourists in Korea: 8 million
Only 1% of foreign tourists came to Korea in 2010.

France: 78.95 million
USA: 60.88 million
China: 55.56 million

The Power to Attract Foreign Tourists : Curiosity
Korea is a country with a 5000 year old history and culture
Yet, international travelers have little curiosity about Korea.

If young Koreans give them curiosity
The 1% will become 10% for international tourist arrivals in Korea.
Korea is within a two hour flight distance
to 60 metropolitan cities with 1 million people.

Korea is the hub of Asia
that is at the intersection of a continent and the ocean.
Korea is a country of tourism that excites the curiosity of foreigners.
Korea possesses a great geographical location and culture.

Genuine Warmth of the Korean People
Travel & Tourist Competitiveness Index
Korea’s rank: 32 out of 139 countries
- World Economic Forum 2011 -

Switzerland: rank 1
Japan: rank 22
China: rank 39
Korea: rank 32

Attitude of the population toward foreign visitors: rank 125 out of 133 countries
Key Factor in lowering Korea’s tourist competitiveness

Foreigners’ Common Perception of Koreans “Koreans are unfriendly”
In reality, Korea has a long tradition of hospitality.
Koreans’ Welcoming Culture: They ran to welcome guests without even putting on their shoes.
Koreans’ Careful Consideration: They put a leaf on a cup of water to help the person not get sick from drinking too fast.

They made a comfortable guest room where guests can always come and stay.
They put a gazebo at a village entrance to welcome and serve guests.
If young Koreans have a chance to deliver their genuine warmth
The percentage of international travelers in Korea will rise from 1% to 10%.

Foreigners’ Common Images of Korea
Korean War, North Korea’s Nuclear Threat, High-Technology, Korean Wave, Dramas, and Economic Development 

What Koreans want to share with foreigners are their 5000 year history, traditional culture and beautiful landscapes. Korea is a 5000 year old country, much older than most countries.  Remarkable cultural heritage and traditions are spread across the country. Korea’s rivers and mountains are known for their picturesque scenery. Our beautiful nature, history and culture are hidden treasures waiting to be discovered.

There is one thing that many foreigners mention as a joy of visiting Korea.
The Energy of the Korean People
 
Koreans made a strong impression on the world during the 2002 FIFA World Cup.
“Dae-Han-Min-Guk” (Great Korea)

Korea’s advance to the semi-final was impressive, but even more so was Koreans’ passionate street cheering.
If young Koreans approach foreigners as friends, not mere tour guides
The percentage of international travelers in Korea will rise from 1% to 10%.
Now, young Koreans are getting ready to be friends to the world. They will provide friendly and useful guides for Korean tours.

Throughout the Korean peninsula, there are many great places to visit.
Rome of Asia, Gyeongju
Rome, the city of thousands of years of history and culture

Rome is like an ancient museum. More than a half of the UNESCO world heritage is here.  
Gyeongju, the city of 1000 year old history and culture in Korea
Gyeongju was the capital of Silla, the first kingdom to achieve a cultural unification of the Korean peninsula.

Gyeongju is like an ancient history museum of Korea. Different areas of this city are UNESCO world heritage sites.

Hawaii of Asia, Jeju Island

Hawaii’s Mauna Kea Beach, one of the most beautiful tourist destinations in the world
Hawaii, the pearl of the Pacific, consists of eight main islands and around 130 small islands.
The favorite tourist destination in Korea among the Chinese ‘Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak’, the Place to See an Unforgettable Sunrise

Walking along the Jeju Olle paths, you can become a part of nature.
Jeju Island is a beautiful island, now taking off as an international tourist destination.

New York of Asia, Seoul
New York, the City of Romance in Movies and Dramas. New York is also the center of international finance. 
Seoul, Korea’s 600-year-old capital city Seoul is aspiring to become New York of Asia.
3rd in the 31 Places to Go List in 2010 by the New York Times Favorite Korean city among foreign tourists 
Filming location of popular Asian dramas and movies
Seoul is becoming the most admired city among young Asians. 

Paris of Asia, Jeonju
Paris, the Must-See City among International Artists
The City of Street Artists Romantic View of the Seine and the Eiffel Tower
Paris is an inspiring city among the people of the world.

The Korean city of Jeonju inspires its visitors with its culture and tradition that has survived for 5000 years.  Birthplace of Bibimbap (food), Hanji (paper) and Pansori (music genre) Korea’s Traditional Modern City, Jeonju

Jeonju will inspire the people of the world in the 21st century.
Seoul, Incheon, Gwangju, Daegu, Daejeon, Ulsan, Busan, Gyeonggido, Gyeongsangdo, Gangwondo, Jeollado, Chungcheongdo, Jejudo

Korea’s 5000 year history left many treasures throughout the peninsula.
Young Koreans are obligated to share these treasures with people around the world. 
The First Asian Country to Come to the Minds of Foreigners. We are now making the future of Korea.
One day, international tourists will answer like this.

Which country are you going to travel to this year?
“I’m going to travel in Korea.”
Why did you choose Korea?
“Korea is the place to experience Asia.”
How was Korea for you?
“Korea has beautiful landscapes and a lot of cultural heritage from its 5000 year history.”
“Korea gave me unforgettable memories. Korean food is delicious and healthy.”

VANK is looking for young people, who will make foreigners love Korea.
Young Koreans will make Korea the most attractive tourist destination.
Young Koreans will make Korea the first Asian country to come to the minds of foreigners.

All your dreams will be realized in the new Korea.