Everland offers discounts to Air China passengers

Kim Han-gyu, right, vice president of Everland, poses with Jia Hang Yu, Air China’s Korea branch regional manager, after signing a business agreement at the Chinese carrier’s office in Seoul, on April 29. Everland, Korea’s largest theme park, will offer Air China customers a 30 percent discount when they visit the park. / Courtesy of Everland

By Lee Hyo-sik

Everland said Tuesday that it will charge Chinese visitors flying with Air China 30 percent less when they visit Korea’s largest theme park, south of Seoul.

The company recently signed an agreement with China’s flagship carrier to offer ticket discounts to the latter’s customers. Under the agreement, those flying with Air China to Korea will be able to receive the discount through April 21, 2016.

Air China passengers, who bring a boarding pass, will pay 30 percent less when they visit Everland and its affiliate Caribbean Bay, the country’s largest water theme park, in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province.

The theme parks, which hold a wide range of festivals throughout the year, have taken steps to better serve Chinese customers. They have hired more Chinese language interpreters, distributed more Chinese-language user maps and set up ticket booths exclusive for foreign visitors.

“We will seek to sign similar accords with other Chinese carriers to attract more mainland visitors,” an Everland spokesman said. “We will also do business with Korean Air, Asiana Airlines, Air Asia, and other local and foreign airlines.”

Everland is part of Cheil Industries, which runs textile, fashion, theme park and resort, and construction businesses.