David Uchiyama, left, vice president of the Hawaii Tourism Authority, awards Sho Jae-pil, publisher of Travel Press, a plaque of appreciation, for his contribution to promoting tourism and cultural exchanges between Korea and Hawaii during the second Hawaii-Korea Tourism Seminar on Oct. 28 at the Waikiki Resort Hotel, Honolulu. / Courtesy of Travel Press

By Kim Tae-jong

The Hawaii-Korea Tourism Seminar took place on Oct. 28 at the Waikiki Resort Hotel, Honolulu, to explore ways to boost bilateral tourism and cultural exchanges.

At the event, hosted by travel magazine Travel Press, some 200 dignitaries and guests discussed how to promote tourism between Hawaii and Korea. The seminar was the second one following its launch last year to mark the 30th anniversary of the publication of the magazine.

Suh Young-kil, Consul General of Korea, said the seminar contributed to promoting tourism and cultural exchanges between Hawaii and Korea.

David Uchiyama, vice president of the Hawaii Tourism Authority, awarded Sho Jae-pil, publisher of Travel Press, a plaque of appreciation for his contribution to boosting bilateral tourism.

During the seminar, Hong Ki-chung, President and CEO of Modetour, delivered a speech, “Great Potential Korean Outbound Markets, Today and Tomorrow” while Kang Dae-hwan, vice president of Korean Air introduced his view on tourism under the theme, “World Aviation Industry and Korean Air's Growing Strategy.”

To introduce Korean culture to guests at the event, a performance of ``samulnori’’ or traditional Korean percussion was presented during the opening ceremony and Korean cuisine was available.

Among the participants were Lt. Governor of Hawaii Brian Schatz,; Irene Lee, director of public relations for Hawaii Tourism Korea and Blaine Miyasato, vice president of Hawaiian Airlines.