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Korea ranks lowest in tourism friendliness
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Julius



Joined: 27 Jul 2006

PostPosted: Tue Jul 07, 2009 2:53 am    Post subject: Re: Korea ranks lowest in tourism friendliness Reply with quote

CentralCali wrote:
It's quite refreshing to see some honesty on the issue from a Korean official.


Yeah. To be honest I do feel (sometimes) that this country is trying to change itself for the better. Just not trying hard enough or fast enough I think.

yukon wrote:
Not just simply westerners...I don't really know alot of people who visited Asia in the first place(aside from soldiers or asians)....Majority of americans I know prefered or did go to Europe, Mexico, or the carribean over Asia. And if they did want to hit Asia, they were thinking Thailand or something in South east asia.


Yep most tourists coming here are other asians-that are generally much less noticeable and have cultures closer to Korea anyway. Its the white westerners that stick out like sore thumbs and have a virtually opposite culture. If I was in charge of Korean tourism i'd aim for more asian tourists. Just easier to cater to.
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Bronski



Joined: 17 Apr 2006

PostPosted: Tue Jul 07, 2009 3:47 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

brainfreeze wrote:
Bronski wrote:
Brainfreeze's subtle trolling is becoming less subtle.


It's not actually trolling. No country is perfect. Korea has a long way to go, but many Western countries could also treat foreigners better.


Duh. That doesn't need pointing out. The point is that you're changing the subject.

In any case, I think the reasons for Korea's lack of tourism have little to do with how people perceive Korean's behavior. A lot of people claim the French are rude, but that doesn't stop it from being one of the top tourist destinations in the world.

There just isn't that much to see in Korea. Most of the ancient palaces, temples, etc, were destroyed by the Japanese, or by fighting during the Korean war. As far as nature, there's some nice natural parks, but hardly anything stunning or unusual (like the Grand Canyon, Igauzu Falls, etc). The mountains are nice for a hike, but not the best in Asia when it comes to skiing. It's not tropical or dirt cheap like much of Southeast Asia. The beaches are overcrowded in the summer. Furthermore, Seoul can be a fun place to live, but it's certainly not a beautiful or architecturally interesting city, unless you like gray, concrete buildings.

I doubt this campaign will do much in the long term.


Last edited by Bronski on Tue Jul 07, 2009 5:03 am; edited 1 time in total
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crossmr



Joined: 22 Nov 2008
Location: Hwayangdong, Seoul

PostPosted: Tue Jul 07, 2009 5:00 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Quote:
Duh. That doesn't need pointing out. The point is that you're changing the subject.

Actually around here it needs frequent pointing out. There is a difference between constructive criticism and the way most people sling crap around here.
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brainfreeze



Joined: 04 Jul 2009

PostPosted: Tue Jul 07, 2009 6:20 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Bronski wrote:


Duh. That doesn't need pointing out. The point is that you're changing the subject.



It might to some on this forum.

Quote:


There just isn't that much to see in Korea. Most of the ancient palaces, temples, etc, were destroyed by the Japanese, or by fighting during the Korean war. As far as nature, there's some nice natural parks, but hardly anything stunning or unusual (like the Grand Canyon, Igauzu Falls, etc). The mountains are nice for a hike, but not the best in Asia when it comes to skiing. It's not tropical or dirt cheap like much of Southeast Asia. The beaches are overcrowded in the summer. Furthermore, Seoul can be a fun place to live, but it's certainly not a beautiful or architecturally interesting city, unless you like gray, concrete buildings.

I doubt this campaign will do much in the long term.


Well just as much about "branding" as it is about having something fun or interesting to do. If they can brand themselves as an interesting place to visit then they might be able to get some first time visitors to bite. The only way to get them to return however is to treat them well.

I believe that it would be more prudent for them to invest in advertising to Asians. With China's burgeoning middle class there is a lot of potential tourism revenue that they could be attracting.
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chemicalblur



Joined: 30 May 2009

PostPosted: Tue Jul 07, 2009 11:16 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Bronski wrote:
brainfreeze wrote:
Bronski wrote:
Brainfreeze's subtle trolling is becoming less subtle.


It's not actually trolling. No country is perfect. Korea has a long way to go, but many Western countries could also treat foreigners better.


Duh. That doesn't need pointing out. The point is that you're changing the subject.

In any case, I think the reasons for Korea's lack of tourism have little to do with how people perceive Korean's behavior. A lot of people claim the French are rude, but that doesn't stop it from being one of the top tourist destinations in the world.

There just isn't that much to see in Korea. Most of the ancient palaces, temples, etc, were destroyed by the Japanese, or by fighting during the Korean war. As far as nature, there's some nice natural parks, but hardly anything stunning or unusual (like the Grand Canyon, Igauzu Falls, etc). The mountains are nice for a hike, but not the best in Asia when it comes to skiing. It's not tropical or dirt cheap like much of Southeast Asia. The beaches are overcrowded in the summer. Furthermore, Seoul can be a fun place to live, but it's certainly not a beautiful or architecturally interesting city, unless you like gray, concrete buildings.

I doubt this campaign will do much in the long term.


Agreed. There is not much to really see here in Korea that would top a trip to any neighboring countries (Japan, China).

Korea lacks true tourist traps - the resort beach type shin-digs, private villas, mountain hot springs, etc.. Busan, Jeju-do? Sorry, not worth the $1000+ air ticket.
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benji1422



Joined: 02 Jun 2009
Location: Los Angeles & Seoul

PostPosted: Tue Jul 07, 2009 11:45 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

The eating/drinking/nightlife aspect is the best part of the country and culture. But it's hard to sell because it involves the government promoting a place where drunken shenanigans can occur and the last thing the government wants is Seoul overun by pasty tourists who should be in Thailand or Vegas.

In Los Angeles and New York in the last 3-4 years have seen impenetrable korea town become open and popular with hipsters who frequent karaoke bars, pojangmacha style pubs and the like because they are open late and allow smoking... and they love it! So it's doable I just think the country's rulers are still too xenophobic and insistent on keeping its selling points behind closed doors while they continue to promote "korean wave" for the Chinese and Japanese middle aged women shoppers.

The other thing is the country is not proud of its past like Japan. They do not want to re-explore or restore old buildings because they are ashamed of their 20th century colonial legacy. So they've tried to wipe the past away by destroying everything and starting a new again... that gives no reason for western tourists to come. They do not want to have tours in Itaewon describing the history of the place and the like.

I don't think people are that rude. My parents came here and they thought it was interesting (they have been everywhere in the world) and people were nice to them, but they had me to show them around to all the interesting spots. One time a drunk ahjusshi grabbed my mom near cheongicheon but I think he was just being friendly Surprised
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tomato



Joined: 31 Jan 2003
Location: I get so little foreign language experience, I must be in Koreatown, Los Angeles.

PostPosted: Tue Jul 07, 2009 11:49 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

asams wrote:
Since when was 2010-2012 considered 1 year?

International Geophysical Year lasted 18 months.
In the Pogo comic strip, the turtle and the owl were having a discussion about that.
The turtle said, "Goody!"
The owl said, "What's so good about that? That gives me one and a half birthdays."
The turtle said, "One and a half Christmasses!"
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crossmr



Joined: 22 Nov 2008
Location: Hwayangdong, Seoul

PostPosted: Tue Jul 07, 2009 1:42 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Quote:

The other thing is the country is not proud of its past like Japan. They do not want to re-explore or restore old buildings because they are ashamed of their 20th century colonial legacy. So they've tried to wipe the past away by destroying everything and starting a new again... that gives no reason for western tourists to come. They do not want to have tours in Itaewon describing the history of the place and the like.

They restore plenty of historical buildings. History isn't just the last 100 years. What exactly would you like them to do? Make a museum that says "We're so proud of being occupied, welcome to the happy fun time smile family occupation museum!"

If you want to know what happened during the occupation you can visit the historic sites and read about how many times they were burned down and when.

They're proud of the pre-occupation time and the post-occupation time. I don't know that many countries that are "proud" of being occupied.
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toadhjo



Joined: 07 Apr 2009

PostPosted: Tue Jul 07, 2009 2:02 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

crossmr wrote:
They restore plenty of historical buildings. History isn't just the last 100 years. What exactly would you like them to do? Make a museum that says "We're so proud of being occupied, welcome to the happy fun time smile family occupation museum!"

If you want to know what happened during the occupation you can visit the historic sites and read about how many times they were burned down and when.

They're proud of the pre-occupation time and the post-occupation time. I don't know that many countries that are "proud" of being occupied.


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_General_Government_Building,_Seoul

It used to be a museum Cool
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crossmr



Joined: 22 Nov 2008
Location: Hwayangdong, Seoul

PostPosted: Tue Jul 07, 2009 2:17 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

toadhjo wrote:
crossmr wrote:
They restore plenty of historical buildings. History isn't just the last 100 years. What exactly would you like them to do? Make a museum that says "We're so proud of being occupied, welcome to the happy fun time smile family occupation museum!"

If you want to know what happened during the occupation you can visit the historic sites and read about how many times they were burned down and when.

They're proud of the pre-occupation time and the post-occupation time. I don't know that many countries that are "proud" of being occupied.


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_General_Government_Building,_Seoul

It used to be a museum Cool


Just a general museum. Not a museum specifically about the occupation. Many countries tear down symbols of occupation when the occupiers leave. The museum still exists in another building. This person apparently wants dancing bears and exhibits on rape in order for Korea to be truly a tourist destination. Perhaps they could put in an exhibit for the kids where they pretend to burn down a small remote village full of freedom fighters!
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fermentation



Joined: 22 Jun 2009

PostPosted: Tue Jul 07, 2009 4:34 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Adventurer wrote:

Doesn't Japan get plenty of tourists? At any rate, Thailand does get a lot of tourism. Thailand has a few advantages over Korea: 1)They have plenty of gorgeous temples. 2)It has tropical weather and islands. 3)The people are super friendly (I am not sure because it's not a wealthy country.)

A country like France is not known, except, in the South and the other areas is not really known for its friendliness, but unlike Korea, France has tons of architecture that people find interesting.

It is more important for Koreans to be very friendly, because it doesn't have the pyramids or the Eiffel Tower. Granted, it does have Bulguksa and various sites.

I disagree with the posters who say that Korea, under this government, is not trying to reach out to foreigners.


Thailand has several more advantages as well. Its a haven for sex tourists and its really cheap to do things in Thailand. Their food is globally famous and delicious. They have beautiful natural sites and exotic animals. People do seem friendlier, but I think Thai people like to smile a lot and its not necessarily sincere. Plus, as a "poor" country, people are more likely to brush off its faults.

The French are renown for their culture and art so people tolerate their rudeness. Korea simply doesn't have the natural advantages and a lot of its ancient culture, history and architecture was destroyed. Korea has an extremely long way to go before it can become a tourist mecca.

Of course any government with a sliver of sense would want to attract tourists. Personally, I don't think friendliness is a huge factor if there's nothing to attract people here in the first place.
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Tjames426



Joined: 06 Aug 2006

PostPosted: Tue Jul 07, 2009 4:49 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

f you want to know what happened during the occupation you can visit the historic sites and read about how many times they were burned down and when.

They're proud of the pre-occupation time and the post-occupation time. I don't know that many countries that are "proud" of being occupied.

***

Pre-occupation time? You mean the time when Korea was the vassal of China? I can see it now.

Korean Tourist guide: This historical building expresses oppressive militant Japanese architecture. That building is where Korean nobles bowed down and lovingly kissed the Chinese boot.

Hmm...tourism in Korea is darn hard isn't it?

Maybe those of you who have been to Vietnam can chirp in a line. Cause Vietnam has a similar history as a ping pong between the Chinese, French, and USA.

How does Vietnam do it?
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VanIslander



Joined: 18 Aug 2003
Location: Geoje, Hadong, Tongyeong,... now in a small coastal island town outside Gyeongsangnamdo!

PostPosted: Fri Jul 10, 2009 2:53 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

it's a chicken and egg thing

tourism friendliness and tourism go hand in hand

i've wondered why Korea consistently remains OFF THE RADAR of tourists in terms of Asian destinations for Europeans and English-country dwellers, given how easy it is to get around here with only English, how eager locals are to help out a fish-out-of-water, as I'm unable to stand puzzled with a map in my hand for ten minutes in any place I've been in this country without someone approaching me offering to help, practicing their English

with the historical sites, Buddhist temples, natural beauty of mountains, beaches and islands, and underappreciated food and culture, the opportunity exists for overseas tours, though they are rare and really a thing of the future I think
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crossmr



Joined: 22 Nov 2008
Location: Hwayangdong, Seoul

PostPosted: Fri Jul 10, 2009 3:06 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

VanIslander wrote:
it's a chicken and egg thing

tourism friendliness and tourism go hand in hand

i've wondered why Korea consistently remains OFF THE RADAR of tourists in terms of Asian destinations for Europeans and English-country dwellers, given how easy it is to get around here with only English, how eager locals are to help out a fish-out-of-water, as I'm unable to stand puzzled with a map in my hand for ten minutes in any place I've been in this country without someone approaching me offering to help, practicing their English

with the historical sites, Buddhist temples, natural beauty of mountains, beaches and islands, and underappreciated food and culture, the opportunity exists for overseas tours, though they are rare and really a thing of the future I think


Low visibility. These are just a stab in the dark at some of the perceptions people have of the three.

China
1. Huge
2. Cheap
3. All our goods come from there
4. Movie roles/settings
5. Lots of immigrants to other countries

Japan
1. video games
2. movie roles/settings
3. high tech gadget wonderland
4. Seen as whacky and weird

South Korea
1. They're attached to North Korea and the fear based media has made sure everyone craps their pants in unison every time they run a story about that.
2. Getting more character/setting usage in shows/movies
3. movies are being remade, but not usually any theatrical releases of films there

If more movies and TV shows start inserting more korean settings/references/characters it'll help peak people's interests. A good tourism campaign can only help that. I think its just all about visibility and if people can't do a tour while they're here they're probably going to pick china or japan because they're much more familiar to them.
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Julius



Joined: 27 Jul 2006

PostPosted: Fri Jul 10, 2009 3:39 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

crossmr wrote:

2. Getting more character/setting usage in shows/movies
3. movies are being remade, but not usually any theatrical releases of films there

If more movies and TV shows start inserting more korean settings/references/characters it'll help peak people's interests.


Some Asians do come to see the sites of their popular TV dramas, which are big in SE Asia.

However this is where the friendliness factor fails to kick in. Brown Asians are not usually treated well in Korea.
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