Selling Travel April 19

exploring... 73
English, but there are also numerous
restaurants offering traditional cuisine
from kimchi (fermented vegetables) to
barbequed meats. Just tuck in!
Korea is quite a healthy, sporty
nation and trying the national sport of
Taekwondo is a fun way to learn about
the culture.
Cycling is popular and there are many
well-maintained, scenic cycle paths along
the country’s main rivers.
Although spring and autumn are the
best times to visit, those looking for a
winter adventure will find ample winter
sport options. Pyeongchang, in the
northeast and the 2018 host of the Winter
Olympics, is now a world-class resort.
The Demilitarised Zone (DMZ) along the
border between North and South Korea is
also a major fascination for visitors.
As a contrast, many temples are open
for overnight and longer stays, for those
wanting to get away from it all and have a
peaceful experience.
What’s new
Due to the positive developments in
relations between North and South Korea
in 2018, the DMZ tour is a big focus for
2019. Korea Tourism Organisation’s head
office is currently running a campaign
called #LoveforDMZ (lovefordmz.com).
Seoul Botanic Park is officially opening
its doors in the summer of 2019 and will
include Korea’s largest greenhouse.
Improvements are being made to
the infrastructure of several palaces
in Seoul, including a new entrance to
Gyeongbokgung Palace.
After focusing on Busan in 2018, the KTO
is currently emphasising local provinces
such as Gangwon-do, which hosted the
Winter Olympics last year.
Great Rail Journeys (greatrail.com) has
introduced Timeless South Korea, a new
GAMCHEON CULTURE VILLAGE, BUSAN
nine-day tour for 2020.
"Korea is undoubtedly becoming much
more popular with travellers, which is
why we have introduced our new tour
for 2020,” says Louise Heatley, Head
of Product and Contracting, Great Rail
Journeys.
“There's so much to discover in Korea,
which has managed to hang on to its
authentic charm.
"Our new tour takes in palaces, shrines
and local delicacies, making it the perfect
introduction to this fascinating country,"
adds Heatley.
Where to stay
A growing number of the major hotel
groups have recently opened up new
properties in Seoul, including Best
Western, Holiday Inn, JW Marriott,
Novotel, Courtyard and Sheraton.
There are also plenty of options for
the more budget-conscious, as well as
boutique and unusual places to stay.
Traditional hanok buildings, temple
stays, sleeping in a converted train
carriage or a decorated bus are some of
the many options on offer.
WINTER TEMPLE SCENE
“There's so much
to discover in Korea,
which has managed
to hang on to its
authentic charm. Our new
tour takes in palaces,
shrines and local delicacies”
Louise Heatley, Head of Product and
Contracting, Great Rail Journeys
BUKCHON HANOK VILLAGE
TRADITIONAL DRESS
BOOK IT WITH...REGENT HOLIDAYS
Regent has an eight-day Highlights of South
Korea group tour, priced from £1,335pp,
excluding international flights, for departures
throughout 2019. It covers Seoul, Gyeongju,
Daegu and Busan.
regentholidays.co.uk
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