By Kim Tae-jong
Staff Reporter
What comes to mind first when you think of South Korea? A number of foreign travelers here say kimchi is the most representative image of the nation.
According to a survey of foreign travelers by the Seoul Metropolitan Government, 20.7 percent of respondents answered the traditional pickled vegetable is the first image, which they think best represents the country. It was followed by images of kindness (7.6 percent), shopping (3.1 percent) and ``bulgogi,’’ or Korean grilled barbecue (2.8 percent).
The survey was part of the city’s marketing policy to offer better tourist-friendly services. It was conducted in the form of one-on-one interviews with 1,115 foreign travelers from May 29 to June 10 at the Incheon International Airport. The respondents were aged 20 and over who stayed here for less then 60 days.
Regarding the purpose of their stay, 26.9 percent answered ``business-related activities,’’ followed by 26.4 percent who said ``tour,’’ and 15.2 percent who said ``to visit friends or family.’’ About 14.5 percent said they visited the country to experience ``hallyu,’’ or the Korean cultural wave, while 9.3 percent said they wanted to shop.
Most tourists from Japan and China visited the country to enjoy shopping while those from Western countries wanted to experience traditional culture.
The places Japanese tourists visited most during their stay were the Myeongdong area (68 percent) and Namdaemun Market (65.5 percent). Chinese tourists went to Dongdaemun Market (74.4 percent) and the Myeongdong area (72 percent). But those from Western countries visited the Insadong area (56.6 percent), Namdaemun Market (47.4 percent) and royal palaces (44.0 percent).
In terms of satisfaction, 79.1 percent said they were happy with their stay, and they found the procedures of entry into and departure from the country most satisfying, followed by foods and kindness.
But the lack of tour information, high traveling expenses and difficulty in communication made them feel unsatisfied. About 34 percent asked for improvement in information on transportation and tourist attractions.
In comparison with other Asian cities such as Tokyo, Shanghai, Singapore and Hong Kong, they said Seoul has better weather and public security for tourists but lacks competitiveness in terms of tour programs, communication and natural scenery.