Korean Wave 2004 Campaign

With the rise in the popularity of Korean TV dramas, pop music and films overseas, a 'Korean Wave' has started to sweep the world - with teens and young adults at its centre. As a result , the film locations of popular TV dramas have been gaining immense interest amongst tourists who want to see where there favourite programmes are filmed and even tourists are travelling from overseas in 'fan tours' to meet their favourite actors and singers.

This wave of Korean popular culture and prompted the Korea National Tourism Organization to put together a 'Korean Wave Promotions Committee' to oversee and promote a new national image to potential travellers.

During 2004, the KNTO will concentrate its efforts in using official website to promote Korea's top stars, TV dramas, films and more. The 'Ilove Korea Festival' and Taekwondo are vehicles to attracting tourists and promoting regional tourism. For more Information go to www.tour2korea.com

Visit Gangwon Year 2004

The Gangwon province is inviting people to the most scenically beautiful and natural area in Korea. The government has designated 2004 Visit Gangwon Year. During the year 3 major international events will take place in Gangwon and 13 cultural festivals to celebrate the beauty and traditional culture of this country. Highlight events are the Gangneung International Tourism Folk Festival, Daegwallyeong International Music Festival and Wonju International Tattoo. For more information go to www.provin.gangwon.kr

Experience Rural Life – Farm Stay

In Korea the visitor has the opportunity to home stay, and temple stay. The newest initiative developed is Farm Stay. Well being: It means exactly what it says – eating and living well. The concept of well-being focuses on the health of mind and spirit – its key words are nature, health, safety, leisure and happiness. With ‘well-being’ becoming a modern day concern, an entire industry has taken notice as well. Farm stays is just one of the many ways to relax and get back to nature. For further information contact: Nonghyup (National Agricuktural Cooperative Federation) Tel: 0082-31-883-3411 or www.greentour.or.kr.