By Bae Ji-sook
Staff Reporter
The Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) is under fire for allegedly wasting taxpayers' money to subsidize a luxurious lifestyle for its employees assigned overseas.
According to Rep. Song Hun-suk, an independent lawmaker, the KTO runs a network of 27 overseas branches; about half of those working there receive an annual salary and benefits of over 100 million won (about $83,000). KTO has recently been taken over by Lee Charm, a German-born naturalized Korean.
The lawmaker also argued that the sizes of their overseas residences exceed the government's guidelines.
The independent lawmaker cited comparisons between KTO officials and export-promoter KOTRA in terms of monthly rents. For staff assigned to Bangkok, Thailand, KTO pays 2.3 million won in rent per month, while KOTRA limits the rent to 1 million won.
The KOTRA guideline on living in major cities in the world is adapted by government agencies as well as other business groups with branches worldwide.
``If KOTRA staff can make it, so can KTO workers. But still, they live in 5 million won per month housing in Dubai or a 228 square-meter flat in Beijing. They are supposed to induce more foreigners to visit Korea, not to splurge there,'' Song said in a press release.
Song also criticized KTO officials overseas for preferring foreign-brand cars.
``Most of their cars, including 60 percent of the leased ones, are Volvos, Audis, Toyotas and other foreign brands. It is not compulsory for them to use Korean cars.'' he said.
Many of the staff members have their own drivers, the lawmaker said, observing that, in many cases, these drivers are paid for by the government.
``They are paid an extra 80 percent in overseas incentives and some more for living in third-world countries,'' he said.
The KTO replied that its rental subsidies are lower than those for other organizations, with the exception of Dubai.
It said that only those stationed in Russia and China are given private chauffeurs because the traffic situation in both countries is dangerous.
Following the appointment of appointment of Lee as its new leader, the KTO is trying to transform itself into a more efficient promoter of not just Korean tourism but also the country.
Lee's appointment was taken as a fresh move to inject vigor into the organization that has been seen stuck in the dolrums.