[Travel Bits] Festivals, sights across Korea

Nature Park A zoo for those curious about how animals survive winter has opened in Daegu. Visitors can feed the animals and enjoy the nearby flower garden and playground. Through early January, guests will receive presents if they buy a “Lucky Bag” sold on the spot. Admission is priced at 20,000 won for adults and 18,000 won for elementary school students and younger. The zoo is open Wednesday to Monday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. with last admissions at 5 p.m. More details are avail

Dec. 15, 2023

Revel in Christmas atmosphere outside of Seoul

Bonghwa, a remote county in North Gyeongsang Province, plans to create a memorable Christmas experience for visitors to the area, with a special opportunity to meet Santa Claus from Rovaniemi, Finland -- known as the official hometown of Santa Claus. The provincial government of North Gyeongsang Province on Monday confirmed the opening of its iconic Buncheon Santa Village on Saturday. The opening ceremony will feature dance performances, a concert by artists Lee Bo-ram and Woody, a marching

Dec. 12, 2023

S. Korea determined to become tourism powerhouse

With plans to prepare for the Visit Korea Year 2023-24 campaign, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism is going all out to make Korea another Asian tourism powerhouse and create a more enjoyable tourism environment for domestic holidaymakers. In a press briefing in Seoul on Thursday, Jang Mi-ran -- the second vice minister of culture, sports and tourism -- expressed high hopes to turn Korea into an appealing destination for both foreigners and locals, exceeding pre-pandemic visitor levels

Dec. 8, 2023

Cheorwon to open complete Hantan River trail

Cheorwon, one of the coldest counties in Korea located in Gangwon Province, on Thursday announced that its iconic Hantan River trekking course is fully available for winter lovers and outdoor activity enthusiasts, starting from Saturday. While the county initially unveiled the 5.15-kilometer trail that stretches from Jiktang Falls to Seungil Bridge in early November, starting this weekend tourists can walk the complete 8.5-kilometer trekking course to Goseokjeong Pavilion. Recognized for its u

Dec. 8, 2023

[Travel Bits] Festivals, sights across Korea

  Jeju Camellia Festival   Winter on Jeju Island is all about the camellia flower, which has become like a symbol for the island itself. Jeju Island invites visitors tired of the freezing cold to its camellia festival, which runs to the end of January next year. Visitors will be surrounded by blooming camellias in lush greenhouses, gardens and trails -- all within a park. Jeju tangerines add a flavor making the trip all worthwhile. Adults pay 13,000 won for entry, while fees for those

Dec. 8, 2023

Festivals to illuminate Seoul’s winter nights

The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced it will hold the first-ever light festival at Songhyeon Green Plaza in Jongno-gu, central Seoul from Dec. 15. The 37,117 square-meter park opened to the public in October 2022 for the first time in 110 years since the Japanese colonial era (1910-1945). Under the theme of “Experiencing Nature in Mysterious Light Garden,” the 2023 Light Festa in Songhyeon will feature six different exhibition spaces, including "Shadow Forest," "

Dec. 3, 2023

[Travel Bits] Festivals, sights across Korea

Yuseong Christmas Festival Yuseong Christmas Festival is scheduled to take place at Yuseong Hot Springs and its nearby park in Daejeon. The three-day event, which starts from Friday and runs through Sunday, features a Christmas tree lighting ceremony in front of Yuseong Hot Springs’ water screen at 6 p.m. A special Christmas market, featuring wine, candles, Christmas trees and Yuseong-themed merchandise, will run throughout the festival period as well. The store is open from 11 a.m. to 8 p

Dec. 1, 2023

Jeju Island offers many choices for holidaymakers with pets

If you visit Jeju Island, popular tourist spots, well-known landmarks, Instagrammable cafes and restaurants may be filled not only with holidaymakers but also with their pet dogs. A total of 307 pet-friendly destinations beckon pet owners looking to enjoy the southern resort island, worry-free. It is an increase of 130 places from 2022, taking into consideration the 23 spots that closed this year, according to Jeju Tourism Organization. Recognizing that most pet-welcoming places are restaurants

Nov. 25, 2023

[Travel Bits] Festivals, sights across Korea

Haeundae Lighting Festival, Busan One of Busan’s most famous winter festivals is set to begin on Dec. 2 and runs through Jan. 31 at areas around Haeundae Beach in the southeastern city. The special lighting ceremony is scheduled to take place at the event square at Haeundae Beach at 7 p.m. on Dec. 2. The festival features various light fixtures, lanterns and media art on display to entertain those who stop by. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll around Haeundae Beach, Haeundae Market, Gu

Nov. 24, 2023

Unique indoor dating spots to warm your winter days

The recent arrival of a bitter cold snap has many people looking for indoor activities, away from the chill in the air. The alleys near Konkuk University Station on Subway Line No. 2 attracts visitors with some unique indoor dating spots, offering a refuge from the start of this year's winter season. Ddowaddo With temperatures dropping significantly in the first week of November, many people have already taken out their puffer coats, an iconic essential to get through Korea's harsh win

Nov. 18, 2023

[Travel Bits] Festivals, sights across Korea

Board Game Festa in Seoul Seoul’s Board Game Festa is an event that promotes board games, showcasing some of the latest party games. The two-day convention is being held at Seoul Trade Exhibition and Convention in Gangnam-gu, southern Seoul, on Saturday and Sunday. Visitors can experience more than 400 Korean board games as well as board games from around the world for free, and take part in a tournament as well. Opening hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sund

Nov. 17, 2023

Journey to Joseon scholars' timeless dwellings

Gotaek, which translates to "old house," signifies a historic family residence. Typically, these homes were inhabited by the upper class, including scholars, and have been diligently preserved by generations maintaining much of their original form. The Korea Tourism Organization has selected five gotaek destinations to explore, each with a unique and compelling story to share. The destinations are: Yeoyudang in Namyangju, Gyeonggi Province; Incheon Citizens' Home in Incheon; Myeon

Nov. 11, 2023

[Travel Bits] Festivals, sights across Korea

Seosan Chrysanthemum Festival Seosan Chrysanthemum Festival is held in the areas around Seosan Agricultural Technology Center in Seosan, South Chungcheong Province. The event, which started Nov. 3, runs through Sunday. The flower-themed festival features a chrysanthemum exhibition showcasing various works of bonsai art and sculptures. It has diverse programs for vacationers, including flower picking, flower crown making, natural dyeing and more. The opening hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission t

Nov. 10, 2023

Catch fleeting fall foliage with exciting outdoor activities

Peeping leaves of red and gold while grasping a cup of warm coffee at a nearby cafe or enjoying the scenic views of the city in orange and brown hues on a bus ride is always a great way to feel the deepening autumn atmosphere. But, it’s a shame to just let the spectacular colors of ginkgo, maple and metasequoia and the gentle fall breeze go by, with the winter season lurking just around the corner. Take in the flaming reds, dazzling yellows and brilliant oranges with thrilling activities b

Nov. 4, 2023

[Travel Bits] Festivals, sights across Korea

Beartree Park Fall Foliage Festival Beartree Park Fall Foliage Festival, which began on Oct. 21, will run through Sunday at Beartree Park in Sejong. Visitors can enjoy the peak fall foliage while taking a light stroll along the walking trail at Beartree Park. The festival is set to entertain visitors with outdoor concerts, unique photo zones and more. Holidaymakers can immerse in nature and enjoy the autumn breeze. The opening hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission costs 12,000 won and 10,000 won

Nov. 3, 2023

Seoul expected to be one of most sought-after cities for year-end holidays

SINGAPORE -- Recognizing a steady recovery of the travel industry after the pandemic, industry leaders, international tourism brands, travel writers and journalists expected strong tourism growth -- particularly in Asia -- and sought to find ways to entice more people to travel at this year’s TravMedia Summit Asia, held at Swissotel the Stamford in Singapore, on Oct. 23. The summit brought together more than 275 travel specialists, who discussed top issues such as the rise of new technolog

Oct. 29, 2023

Jeonju poses as destination for fall reading retreat

JEONJU, North Jeolla Province -- Less than two hours' KTX ride from Seoul's Yongsan Station, Jeonju in North Jeolla Province is a beloved destination for travelers due to its picturesque hanok village. In 2020, the Culture Ministry designated Jeonju as a "Tourism Hub City," along with Busan, Gangneung, Andong and Mokpo. Since then, the Korea Tourism Organization has been working to boost international tourism to the designated cities. In 2021, the city rebranded itself as the

Oct. 28, 2023

[Travel Bits] Festivals, sights across Korea

Geoje Island Flower Festival The 17th–edition of Geoje Island Flower Festival will be held at the Geoje Agriculture Development Complex in Geoje, South Gyeongsang Province, Oct. 28 to Nov. 5. The annual event features autumn flowers in a variety of exhibitions and displays, including flower sculptures, chrysanthemum-themed items, examining greenhouse office and more. Hands-on activities, like harvesting sweet potatoes and various music performances are set to entertain holidaymakers of all

Oct. 27, 2023

Kangwon Land's wellness facilities offer quiet retreat

JEONGSEON, Gangwon Province -- Nestled in the pristine landscape of Gangwon Province, Kangwon Land is an enticing oasis for those seeking an adventure-filled escape from city life. Set in the rugged mountains and lush valleys and offering a plethora of recreational activities, the resort is an unforgettable experience. Established in 1998 with the objective of repurposing abandoned mines into family-friendly entertainment hubs, Kangwon Land is a large-scale integrated resort with a casino, a gol

Oct. 21, 2023

[Travel Bits] Festivals, sights across Korea

Cheongsong Apple Festival Cheongsong Apple Festival is scheduled to take place at Hyeonbiam riverside swimming pool in Cheongsong, North Gyeongsang Province from Nov. 1 to 5. The upcoming event will entertain with various programs, including an apple-themed food presentation, a “Nanta” experience, an outdoor parade, a golden apple hunt and an apple lottery game. "Nanta" is one of the most popular non-verbal performance shows in Korea, featuring constant striking and drummin

Oct. 20, 2023