Often found at theaters and museums, Kwon Mee-yoo has covered a wide range of cultural fields from K-pop and dramas to theater and fine art for over a decade. Now as K-Culture Desk editor, she tries to connect Korean culture with global readers through fresh perspectives.
Tourists increasingly satisfied with Seoul
By Kwon Mee-yoo
Staff reporter
At popular tourist destinations in Seoul such as Myeongdong, the city has stationed helpers in red jackets for tourists.
For instance, a Chinese tourist with his wife in a wheelchair struggled in Myeongdong last weekend when he wanted to cross the street to a department store, there were no crosswalks. There was an elevator to the underground walkway but the operator only spoke Korean. The red-jacketed aides came to their assistance and called the lift operator, helping them get to the other side of the street.
With efforts like these, Seoul is becoming a more charming tourist spot.
Visitors to the capital are on a steady increase and nine out of 10 are satisfied with their trips.
"Seoul was chosen as the city Chinese, Japanese and East Asians wanted to visit most in 2008 and 2009 and finished third in 'The 31 Places to Go in 2010' by the New York Times," a city official said.
"We will attract more visitors through high-end programs such as medical tourism and hosting conventions. We also plan to reinforce overseas marketing and simplify the immigration process with the government."
A Nielson Company Korea survey requested by Seoul Metropolitan Government during February and March showed that 90 percent of travelers to Korea visited Seoul for business, sightseeing and shopping.
The most popular tourist destination in Seoul was Myeongdong, where 67 percent of people visited, followed by Dongdaemun Market, Namdaemun Market and Insa-dong.
More than 91 percent of tourists said they were content with their visit to Seoul. The satisfaction rate is steadily increasing, from 79 percent in 2007 to 85 percent in 2009.
As more visitors are satisfied with their trip to Seoul, 76 percent of them said their image of the city improved after the visit and 88 percent wanted to return.
Seoul City has set up a promotional pavilion at the Shanghai Expo 2010. Last year, 1.3 million Chinese tourists came to the capital, which is only 3 percent of total Chinese travelers.
"If we attract 10 percent of them, we could accomplish our target of 12 million visitors faster than expected," the official said. "To do so, a pan-national policy to widen the gateways to Korea is necessary."
The city will also encourage tour agents to be kinder.
"Tourism is a core service industry of Seoul to create more jobs and reinvigorate the local economy. To attract more foreign visitors, the most important thing is kindness and we ask all citizens to participate in the campaign to be friendlier," the official said.