At Gimpo airport, it looked like all of Seoul was trying to get away from the South Korean capital. Whether it was the previous day's hangover they wanted to get rid of (the liberal Minjoo Party of Korea had upset the ruling conservative Saenuri Party in elections to the National Assembly, leading to a much bigger party!) was not clear, but a small group of Indians were happy to be part of the excited, chattering exodus. After all, their destination was Jeju Island.

The volcanic Jeju-do, about an hour's flight away on the southern coast, is a Unesco natural heritage site and a veritable feast for the eyes. With its sinuous coast, bursts of flowers and sea spray, rugged mountains and dormant craters spewing nothing but cool, invigorating air, it is not surprisingly a paradise for honeymooners. And trekkers. And cyclists. And beach bums. And photographers. And food lovers. And selfie-takers. If Japan is the land of the rising sun, South Korea is truly the Land of The Rising Selfie. They are seen everywhere: armed with their selfie sticks, young and old alike trying to extend their self-life in the digital world.

The Indian group, comprising representatives of leading tour and travel companies back home and this correspondent, were not so trigger-happy as to shoot at site but preferred to pick their moments for poster-ity.

Apart from its rocks, Jeju is known for its strong winds (a fierce little tempest almost blew our petite guide away!) and its female sea divers who venture where few fishermen dare to go—that too without oxygen tanks. Talk about women leaving you breathless.

Link to the story:  http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/When-Indians-go-Seoul-searching/articleshow/51944156.cms

For More details on the same or if you want to schedule an interview, please contact:

Vanshika Kapoor

Assistant Marketing Manager, Korea Tourism Organization

e-mail: vanshika@knto.or.kr; vanshika.kpr6@gmail.com

web: www.visitkorea.or.kr

Ph: 0124-4921200