|
Korean Job Discussion Forums
"The Internet's Meeting Place for ESL/EFL Teachers from Around the World!"
|
| View previous topic :: View next topic |
| Author |
Message |
sigmundsmith
Joined: 22 Nov 2007
|
 Posted: Tue Jul 21, 2009 11:36 pm Post subject: How to increase Korean Tourism? |
 |
|
I know that an article was printed in the Korean Times/Herald recently about Korea's enthusiasm to increase tourism to their hermit kingdom.
But I am wondering how successful it would be?
I ask this because of a number of reasons. That is, with the number of EFL teachers working here for one year or more, we all eventually go home (whether for visiting or forever) and we recall our accounts of what we experience here. And according to this board, there is a lot of negativity directed towards Korea and Koreans.
So with 10,000 plus ESL teachers working here going back to a respective home countries informing about what they go through here (whether positive or negative) how do you think those opinions propogate the purpose of increasing tourism to Korea. As I am sure many aspects of our details will not be quite flattering towards this country and people.
Don't get me wrong, there are a number of aspects that I like about Korea and living here. But there is also some negative aspects as well - which I won't get into as they have been discussed numerous times in the past.
So, how does Korea compete against their neighbours Japan and China. Japan is renowned for being polite and generous to guests. In Korean society if you are not within their group (circle) you hold know value to them and you are treated accordingly (And we as non-Koreans and pushed down the pole even further).
China has amazing landmarks and attractions that draws millions of people to their shores each year. They will become the dominant force for East Asian Tourism - or more appropriately, the model. They have designed their aspects of tradition and culture that is attractive to foreign tourists. On the other hand, Korean attractions and landmarks, though great is many elements, are far and few between. Predominantley, the tourism market in Korea is targeted at Koreans not taking into account what foreigners feel may interest them.
We have all seen our fair share of palaces, temples, The DMZ, traditional markets etc here. But what truely other attractions or landmarks does Korea have to offer to the world?
Furthermore, who is guiding their tourism strategy? I ask that because if it is a Korean, maybe they should look outside for someone who has experience and success in developing a suitable strategy for any marketing plan to be successful.
It worked for their car manufacturing industry, their national soccer team and the female figure skater (sorry, don't know her name off the top of my head).
The Korean mindset needs to be changed. Just like Koreans say to us all that Korea is great because of its' food/language or whatever and if we think like that everyone else should. So too should their mindset need to be changed about how they get more people to come here to spend money.
My trips to Incheon airport sees many Japanese. But I don't think many are coming here to experience the wonders of Korean food or culture but to shop and shop and shop due to the value of the Japanese Yen.
I don't want a typical Korean bashing discussion but constructive ideas as to how Korea can be successful. After all, we are a part of it - no matter how short or long a time we are here. |
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
crossmr
Joined: 22 Nov 2008
Location: Hwayangdong, Seoul
|
| Posted: Wed Jul 22, 2009 12:19 am Post subject: |
|
|
| Quote: |
| So with 10,000 plus ESL teachers working here going back to a respective home countries informing about what they go through here (whether positive or negative) how do you think those opinions propogate the purpose of increasing tourism to Korea. As I am sure many aspects of our details will not be quite flattering towards this country and people. |
There are several billion people outside korean. The opinions of teachers going back home are going to have no noticeable impact on tourism.
| Quote: |
| Japan is renowned for being polite and generous to guests |
I found them polite, I didn't find them generous. They weren't smothering me in gifts or giving me tons of freebies.
| Quote: |
| . In Korean society if you are not within their group (circle) you hold know value to them and you are treated accordingly (And we as non-Koreans and pushed down the pole even further). |
I'm going to guess you've never spent much time in Japan. However this is irrelevant to tourism
| Quote: |
| China has amazing landmarks and attractions that draws millions of people to their shores each year. They will become the dominant force for East Asian Tourism - or more appropriately, the model |
China often requires people get a visa to go there. Korea doesn't require a visa for many countries. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
itaewonguy
Joined: 25 Mar 2003
|
| Posted: Wed Jul 22, 2009 12:25 am Post subject: |
|
|
Korea does have a lot going for it...
A lot of great things to see and do, historical sites to visit, mountains to hike, great food and inexpensive hotels..not to mention a fast growing metroplois city..
what else can one ask for when visiting a country..
The people are quite friendly and do try to help foreigners out..
like any country in the world. Country folk are more kind than city folk.
but when westerners or europeans think ASIA! they are thinking vacation!
and that means THAILAND!
and maybe backpacking.. that means Cambodia, vietnam, laos and thailand!
Japan has the same as what Korea has in terms of things to see and food to eat etc.. but the prices keep people away..
I mean Thailand wasn't always the number 1 asian tourist destination . only really happened in the past 20 years..
It's still early days for Korea.. I mean an olympics, a worldcup and SAMSUNG and LG is bringing recognition to Korea. I heard 1 million tourists visited Korea last year.. thats not bad.. its seriously growing..
But dont expect anything like Thailand anytime soon.. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
sigmundsmith
Joined: 22 Nov 2007
|
| Posted: Wed Jul 22, 2009 1:25 am Post subject: |
|
|
| crossmr wrote: |
There are several billion people outside korean. The opinions of teachers going back home are going to have no noticeable impact on tourism.
Have you heard of 1 negative times 10? That is 1 negative experience is told to at least 10 people. This is the rule of thumb is the hospitality industry. That eventually adds up.
| Quote: |
| Japan is renowned for being polite and generous to guests |
I found them polite, I didn't find them generous. They weren't smothering me in gifts or giving me tons of freebies.
I'm talking about the way people treat you on the street, driving, standing inline at a checkout. In regard to smothering with gifts yes Koreans are like that with people within their circle but people outside their circle, unlikely.
| Quote: |
| . In Korean society if you are not within their group (circle) you hold know value to them and you are treated accordingly (And we as non-Koreans and pushed down the pole even further). |
I'm going to guess you've never spent much time in Japan. However this is irrelevant to tourism
Again, this is the way people treat strangers, politely or not. And I have found that Korean culture lacks any ability to respect or think about others not within their own sphere.
| Quote: |
| China has amazing landmarks and attractions that draws millions of people to their shores each year. They will become the dominant force for East Asian Tourism - or more appropriately, the model |
China often requires people get a visa to go there. Korea doesn't require a visa for many countries. |
Australia requires visas to enter their country as well. One of their highest income earner is tourism. So they can have stipends for foreigners. China is a Communist society. Korea is not. Their political landscape is evolved around fear.
Yes, everything I said is a generalization. But all societies/cultures are generalized by other cultures.
You mentioned Thailand. They have millions of tourist enter their country each year. Why? Because they target what foreigners want. Cheap shopping, lovely beaches etc. Japan has an incredible high tourist rate going through their country each year. The P.I., Indonesia (Bali) just to name a few more. Korea will compete against these countries. How do they do it?
To reiterate. How can Korea improve their tourism promotion/marketing strategy?
What you have done is just defended my position thus leading to creating negativity towards Korea.
Provide some suggestions then, please! |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
crossmr
Joined: 22 Nov 2008
Location: Hwayangdong, Seoul
|
| Posted: Wed Jul 22, 2009 1:44 am Post subject: |
|
|
| Quote: |
| Have you heard of 1 negative times 10? That is 1 negative experience is told to at least 10 people. This is the rule of thumb is the hospitality industry. That eventually adds up. |
So assuming every teacher had a bad experience..that is still only 100,000, a drop in the bucket in world tourism..
| Quote: |
| I'm talking about the way people treat you on the street, driving, standing inline at a checkout. In regard to smothering with gifts yes Koreans are like that with people within their circle but people outside their circle, unlikely. |
I can't count the times I was nearly killed by bicycles in Fukuoka. Again, have you ever been to japan? Japan is known world wide for having an in group (japanese people) and everyone else. As for korea, I'm constantly treated well at restaurants, and any restaurant that I'm a regular at, I often get special treatment (free drinks, priority seating, a visit from the manager, etc) If you're not getting treated well in Korea you might want to think about why.
I can't see any negatives in what you've said, so your points are nothing more than bashing. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Kurtz
Joined: 05 Jan 2007
Location: ples bilong me
|
| Posted: Wed Jul 22, 2009 1:51 am Post subject: |
|
|
Maybe they need to define their target market.
Young Backbackers, K is too expensive and not hip enough.
Older Backpackers, maybe but I doubt the volume is there.
Adventure tourists, don't really think so, there is basically no adventure here considering I can reach the highest mountain on the mainland in a bit over 2 hours.
Beach goers/resort set, right......
History buffs, maybe but most things have been destroyed and re-built and bigger and better stuff can be found elsewhere in Asia.
Shoppers. Maybe. With the crap Won they might advertise the big Dept Stores here but they have Hong Kong and Singapore to compete with which have much cheaper flights available.
Even though I make the best of a bad situation here, I really don't think K tourism has much to work with.
-Flights are too expensive here
-Korea is an unknown country and most people have no idea what to expect here, this would take time to change.
-There is very little exposure in overseas travel mags/newspaper travel sections from what I've seen.
-Too much competition from their more famous neighbours
So they have to aggressively market themselves saying they have a shit currency, good Dept Stores (but are they really?) and a few days shopping in Seoul or Busan is a good idea. I see only the Japs getting excited coming here.
Most of the country is not foreigner friendly, I mean, about 5% of the tourist booths I've been to have an English speaker inside of them and well, we know how much English is spoken here, not much so how many tourists can deal with that?
Not sure why they want overseas visitors at all, seems most places I go are teeming with Korean tourists. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
itaewonguy
Joined: 25 Mar 2003
|
| Posted: Wed Jul 22, 2009 2:05 am Post subject: |
|
|
| Quote: |
| To reiterate. How can Korea improve their tourism promotion/marketing strategy? |
Dude what else can they do..
they are advertising on TV, cnn and foreign networks, they are bidding to hold all international events..
Korea has an amazing history, one of the greatest buddist histories better than thailand believe it or not.. well different buddhas but still...
food, culture, landscape its all here...
Just its hard to reach.. and Like I said.. foreigners want a vacation..
so they follow the weather...
promote Korea.. it is promoting.. give it time.. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
crossmr
Joined: 22 Nov 2008
Location: Hwayangdong, Seoul
|
| Posted: Wed Jul 22, 2009 2:07 am Post subject: |
|
|
| Quote: |
| Most of the country is not foreigner friendly, I mean, about 5% of the tourist booths I've been to have an English speaker inside of them and well, we know how much English is spoken here, not much so how many tourists can deal with that? |
compared to what? there is 1000 times more English here than I experienced in Japan. Now I didn't go to Tokyo, but Fukuoka is supposedly a big destination for foreigners. Outside of the airport, subway there was nothing. No signs, no menus, nothing.
Only in tiny little restaurants here do I expect to find 100% Korean menus. All the tourist sites have english and korean on all signs. I didn't find any english on the temple signs in Japan.
English speakers is another issue, that is hit and miss, but Japan was just as bad, if not worse.
Korea does need to pick an industry though and develop it for tourism. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Julius
Joined: 27 Jul 2006
|
| Posted: Wed Jul 22, 2009 2:12 am Post subject: |
|
|
| Quote: |
| How to increase Korean Tourism? |
this is very simple.
Change the attitude and behaviour of Koreans towards foreigners.
people will travel anywhere to experience a new culture, wether it has a good climate or not. I plan to visit Siberia one day, out of interest.
Even the beaches of Hawaii would keep people away..if Hawaii was full of obvious xenophobes and racists. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
crossmr
Joined: 22 Nov 2008
Location: Hwayangdong, Seoul
|
| Posted: Wed Jul 22, 2009 2:17 am Post subject: |
|
|
| Julius wrote: |
| Quote: |
| How to increase Korean Tourism? |
this is very simple.
Change the attitude and behaviour of Koreans towards foreigners.
people will travel anywhere to experience a new culture, wether it has a good climate or not. I plan to visit Siberia one day, out of interest.
Even the beaches of Hawaii would keep people away..if Hawaii was full of obvious xenophobes and racists. |
Racism will never disappear in Korea so long as it is kept alive and well on Dave's. Japan is more well known for its xenophobia and people flock there, so it really seems to be a non-issue for tourism.
Tourists aren't being jumped and beaten on the streets, and while I've had the odd disappointment in the service industry the good experiences I've had far outweigh those. The good experiences I've had also tend to be better than the majority of experiences I've had in North America, both where I lived and where I traveled.
The real issue here as has been pointed out is the utter lack of exposure Korea gets in other countries. For a long time whenever there is something Asian in a show, it is primarily Chinese/Japanese, occasionally they throw in thailand, or something else, but the vast majority are the big 2. However in the last year I've noticed Korea getting more exposure on shows like Law and order (and its spinoffs) Koreans and Korea seem to be replacing China/Japan as the go to country. Not sure why, but if other shows and movies are doing it you can expect tourism interest to pick up slightly from it. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
sigmundsmith
Joined: 22 Nov 2007
|
| Posted: Wed Jul 22, 2009 2:35 am Post subject: |
|
|
| crossmr wrote: |
I can't see any negatives in what you've said, so your points are nothing more than bashing. |
My friend. Again you are missing the point. You took my whole post wrong from the start. It was trying to find a way to improve tourism in Korea. I stated obvious points that detract for an appealing destination for tourist to Korea.
I looked at their close competitors regarding their competition and how people view those respective destinations and what people generalize about.
Now your defending Korea is commendable. Your experiences have been positive. Mine have too. Like I said I am not here to bash Korea but find ways to improve their image.
Advertisement on CNN etc have so much lacking of substance compared to other Asian destinations. Countries such as Malaysia and the P.I. are way ahead of the game compared to Korea.
Why? Because they know what to target and who to target. Korea hasn't developed that sophistication yet, unfortunately.
So, how do they rectify it?
That is what I am trying to achieve.
Major international events have been held here - World Cup/Olympics. Have these events dramatically increased tourism? They may of had an initial spurt but obviously it has wained.
Now this is what I mean:
Even though I make the best of a bad situation here, I really don't think K tourism has much to work with.
| Quote: |
-Flights are too expensive here
-Korea is an unknown country and most people have no idea what to expect here, this would take time to change.
-There is very little exposure in overseas travel mags/newspaper travel sections from what I've seen.
-Too much competition from their more famous neighbours |
Korea needs to address these basic issues first before they decide creating some grand new slogan on CNN fingers crossed that it works.
Again, my friend, Korea has approach the process of tourism all wrong in the past. I ask again, how do the increase tourism to Korea? |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Kurtz
Joined: 05 Jan 2007
Location: ples bilong me
|
| Posted: Wed Jul 22, 2009 2:36 am Post subject: |
|
|
| crossmr wrote: |
| Quote: |
| Most of the country is not foreigner friendly, I mean, about 5% of the tourist booths I've been to have an English speaker inside of them and well, we know how much English is spoken here, not much so how many tourists can deal with that? |
compared to what? there is 1000 times more English here than I experienced in Japan. Now I didn't go to Tokyo, but Fukuoka is supposedly a big destination for foreigners. Outside of the airport, subway there was nothing. No signs, no menus, nothing.
Only in tiny little restaurants here do I expect to find 100% Korean menus. All the tourist sites have english and korean on all signs. I didn't find any english on the temple signs in Japan. |
Compared to nothing. I'm just saying outside of Seoul, Korea isn't very tourist friendly. Can't comment on Japan yet but this thread is about Korea, not Japan.
I find the attitudes of Koreans when traveling much different to when I'm working and living here, but I'm not sure what that has to do with the Government promoting tourism.
Even in a travel thread I see the word "xenophobia" crop up, if it would be made a MOD EDIT, that would be nice. Perhaps the most over used word in Korea.
I'm sure people don't go to India for it's friendly and warm people. Many people can't wait to escape the people ripping you off and people pushing in and generally harassing you, but people go there in droves, why? because it's got mind blowing stuff to see which the Government can promote ie., "Amazing India".
Korea doesn't have much to promote itself with on a global scale, it doesn't have anything amazing. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
crossmr
Joined: 22 Nov 2008
Location: Hwayangdong, Seoul
|
| Posted: Wed Jul 22, 2009 2:48 am Post subject: |
|
|
| Kurtz wrote: |
Compared to nothing. I'm just saying outside of Seoul, Korea isn't very tourist friendly. Can't comment on Japan yet but this thread is about Korea, not Japan.
I find the attitudes of Koreans when traveling much different to when I'm working and living here, but I'm not sure what that has to do with the Government promoting tourism.
Even in a travel thread I see the word "xenophobia" crop up, if it would be made a MOD EDIT, that would be nice. Perhaps the most over used word in Korea.
I'm sure people don't go to India for it's friendly and warm people. Many people can't wait to escape the people ripping you off and people pushing in and generally harassing you, but people go there in droves, why? because it's got mind blowing stuff to see which the Government can promote ie., "Amazing India".
Korea doesn't have much to promote itself with on a global scale, it doesn't have anything amazing. |
No but Korea is being constantly compared to Japan and china in terms of tourism. So if you claim it isn't tourist friendly, I'd have to ask how and in relation to what? There is plenty of English on the signs comparatively speaking. Even out in the sticks I've found the temples to have their signs translated. they may not have the same level of tourist attractions, but I don't see that playing into tourist friendliness. for me friendliness has to do with how easy it is to get around, read signs, etc.
I don't really see that stopping people from coming here. There is an utter lack of English in Japan (at least fukuoka, tokyo is next) and it doesn't stop people from going there.
Yes Korea needs a big tourist attraction but it also needs exposure. They need to build some big resorts, or create something special to get people here. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
sigmundsmith
Joined: 22 Nov 2007
|
| Posted: Wed Jul 22, 2009 2:56 am Post subject: |
|
|
| Quote: |
| Yes Korea needs a big tourist attraction but it also needs exposure. They need to build some big resorts, or create something special to get people here. |
That's what I am talking about. Constructive suggestions. Good ideas as well. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
The Gipkik
Joined: 30 Mar 2009
|
| Posted: Wed Jul 22, 2009 3:01 am Post subject: |
|
|
| crossmr wrote: |
Racism will never disappear in Korea so long as it is kept alive and well on Dave's. Japan is more well known for its xenophobia and people flock there, so it really seems to be a non-issue for tourism. |
Dave's is keeping racism alive in Korea? Come again?
I lived in Japan for 5 years, the xenophobia there is correct, but it is hidden behind many layers of politeness and grace. It is discreet. During my time in Japan, the number of spontaneous acts of generosity I received from strangers boggles the mind. And I received gifts so many times from students, there simply is no competition with any other Asian country. Period. People flock to Japan because it is a beautiful country with a sophisticated and elegant history (yes, it also has a very ugly more recent history). It has manga, haiku, geisha, amazing hotsprings, pristine mountains (many completely deserted), sushi, sashimi, idiosyncratic fashion, anime, aikido, sumo, and so much more.
| crossmr wrote: |
Tourists aren't being jumped and beaten on the streets, and while I've had the odd disappointment in the service industry the good experiences I've had far outweigh those. The good experiences I've had also tend to be better than the majority of experiences I've had in North America, both where I lived and where I traveled. |
The service industry in Japan is an international ideal. No country comes close to the refined quality of service in hotels and restaurants. Korean service isn't bad, but it's often ordinary.
| crossmr wrote: |
The real issue here as has been pointed out is the utter lack of exposure Korea gets in other countries. For a long time whenever there is something Asian in a show, it is primarily Chinese/Japanese, occasionally they throw in thailand, or something else, but the vast majority are the big 2. However in the last year I've noticed Korea getting more exposure on shows like Law and order (and its spinoffs) Koreans and Korea seem to be replacing China/Japan as the go to country. Not sure why, but if other shows and movies are doing it you can expect tourism interest to pick up slightly from it. |
It's funny, I lived in Japan for quite some time, but Korea never attracted. It always seemed like an industrial wasteland to me. I was surprised when I arrived here. It's better than I expected. Yeah, the competition is fierce and it deserves more of a look see, but it's so far away for most tourists, that they'd rather spend their money on a sure thing. It's an incremental thing. I think Korea will only become a tourist destination when North Korea no longer exists. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
|
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum
|
|
FAQ
Search
Memberlist
Usergroups
Register
Profile
Log in to check your private messages
Log in
