Korean Job Discussion Forums

Coffeeprincess · Joined: 19 Sep 2007

A lot of good points have already been made in this thread.

Korea doesn't have Thailand's beaches and islands and hedonistic culture. Bangkok is dirtier, hotter (weather wise), seedier and in general, way less tourist friendly than Seoul, but as a tourist, I prefer Bangkok. Much more vibrant city with more to do and see, whether Khao San Road is your cup of tea or perhaps, Soi Cowboy...though I personally found the city somewhat lacking in nightlife. Thailand is also a lot cheaper than Korea...which is why it attracts the backpacker crowd which is important to the country's tourist economy.

Korea doesn't have China's history, monuments and in terms of just sheer scale, Korea just can't compare. What country can compare? I've only been to Hong Kong (which isn't really China), but from what I hear, China is also less tourist friendly than Korea with a lot more people looking to scam you and hardly anyone speaking English. But most people would rather explore China than Korea because there's that much more to see and do. And yes, it's also cheaper than Korea.

Japan isn't cheaper than Korea, but it seems infinitely more interesting, especially to an American since due to historical ties, most Americans know more about Japanese culture and history than they do about Korean culture and history. I hear Tokyo is an amazing city to visit. Supposedly, it's clean, service is top notch, amazing shopping and nightlife and the food is supposed to be some of the best in the world.

No matter how many interesting (or lame) slogans Korea comes up with to attract tourists, it just doesn't have the natural attractions, history or anything particularly oustanding (such as world class museums) to compete with some of its neighbors.

Sadly, the DMZ is probably the most interesting tourist attraction. Then after that, Jeju-do? LOL

Someone else mentioned that Korea should be targeting Asian tourists...I agree. Korean dramas and musical groups are popular in countries such as the Philippines, Thailand, China and Japan and therefore, other Asians are much more interested in Korean culture, especially Korean pop culture.

Underwaterbob · Joined: 08 Jan 2005 Location: In Cognito

Ban cars. Rip up all highways and plant gardens and forests. Install a giant subway under the entire country.

Coffeeprincess · Joined: 19 Sep 2007

Kiarell · Joined: 29 Mar 2008

Coffeeprincess · Joined: 19 Sep 2007

On another discussion forum that I frequent, I conducted the following poll:

If you could get a free trip to visit one of the four following countries, please list in your order of preference: Thailand, South Korea, China, Japan.

note : polled demographic is mainly American and Canadian women in their late teens to late twenties.

Japan, Thailand, China, SK - 7 votes
Japan, Thailand, SK, China - 2 votes
Japan, China, Thailand, SK - 2 votes
Thailand, Japan, China, SK - 2 votes
Thailand, China, Japan, SK - 1 vote
Japan, SK, Thailand, China - 1 vote (she's been to China many times)
China, Thailand, SK, Japan - 1 vote (she's been to Japan many times)

Dome Vans · Guest

Dunno, magnets? Rifles?

Yaya · Joined: 25 Feb 2003 Location: Seoul

The Korea Tourism Organization has a billion dollar budget, yet can't do anything because it's run by a bunch of idiot ajummas who hire people they like rather than people who have skills.

Gollywog · Joined: 14 Jun 2008 Location: Debussy's brain

When the reputation of a Western business's brand becomes too tarnished to salvage, the business just gets a new name. And one of those semi-abstract logos.

Korea seems to fit that bill.

What this country needs is a new name.

How about Chaebolea?

Or you could sell the rights to the name, like they do at the pro athletic stadiums.

How about Lotterea?

(I'm trying to get something that salvages at least the "ea" of Korea.)

Anyone else got a better idea?

Oh, and ban glass bottles. There's too much broken glass everywhere. Tourists don't like walking on broken glass.

nautilus · Joined: 26 Nov 2005 Location: Je jump, Tu jump, oui jump!

cangel · Joined: 19 Jun 2003 Location: Jeonju, S. Korea

First we have to pinpoint the area(s) in which Korea excels and then exploit it. OK, they kind of have the whole Korean culture thing going for them but, well, let's be honest, Korean culture doesn't really do it for most of the world. Umm, natural beauty. Yep, got some of that but what country doesn't? And, let's face it, Korea's natural beauty really isn't on par with the natural beauty of a lot of other countries. OK, so what's next? Oh, how about bootleg/counterfeit items? Well, on second thought, with torrents and places like Thailand and China, Korea can't compete. Geez, running out of ideas. Oh, got it! Korea food!! I am partial to Korean dishes. Love the spice. Is this enough to get people to travel thousands of miles? I mean, some crazy b@stards might travel here to say they ate dog. I'm at a loss. What does Korea have to offer?

Dome Vans · Guest

The problem is that the best places to go to in Korea need a car. There are some amazingly beautiful parts that can only be reached by car. They take a decent bit of searching out as well.

Gollywog · Joined: 14 Jun 2008 Location: Debussy's brain

How about

Dokdoea?

or

Dokdorea?

GoldMember · Joined: 24 Oct 2006

Forget about advertising, forget about logos. There is one and only one way to get tourists to come here.
PAY PEOPLE TO COME TO KOREA

That's what the government does with Korean war veterans, and guess what it works! They do come here.

Another option, though this is more for your extended stay tourist, is for the US government to solve its overcrowded prison problem, by sending its convicts to Korea.

It worked for the British who sent convicts to Australia, and now look how prosperous Australia is!

Immigration has the right idea with criminal record checks, BUT instead of letting in people with no criminal record, they should be only letting in people who DO have a criminal record.

Look at how successful South America has been with train robbers and war criminals.

These people will feel right at home in the company of Korean polititians, judges, police, chaebol owners, and hogwan owners.

Fishead soup · Joined: 24 Jun 2007 Location: Korea

Korea needs to promote Cheju-do. This island is the Hawaii of North East Asia. It's Thailand without the tsunami, Sars, Bird Flu, Aids, Bomb threats.
It's a Semi- Tropical island dotted with Palm tree's.

I don't regret Cancelling my trip to Phuket because I was afraid of a Tsunami. I went to beautiful Cheju-do and had a wonderful time.