Business Insider: Finding the Perfect Korean Souvenir

Even for seasoned travelers, finding the perfect souvenir can be a stressful chore that eats away at their free time in a new destination. Visitors to Korea will be happy to know that there is a widespread variety of both souvenirs and stores, although this can also make it difficult to reach a decision!

 

In general, the top three neighborhoods to go for souvenir shopping are Insa-dong, Myeong-dong, and Namdaemun Market in Seoul. There, shoppers will find plenty of stores with popular souvenirs, such as Korean Wave paraphernalia, wacky Korean socks, cosmetics stores, and more. However, for those looking for something a bit different, below are some tips for souvenir shopping in Korea, organized by type of gifts and shopper.

The VIP

When you need to buy a gift to impress, it can be difficult to find the perfect mix of traditional culture, beauty, quality, and functionality.

For a one-stop solution to finding top-quality souvenirs, the National Souvenir Center in Insa-dong should be the first place to try. The duty-free complex features products by several small- to mid-sized businesses, carefully selected for the quality of their products. Best sellers include accessories with mother-of-pearl lacquer, traditional wooden handicrafts, and ceramics.

If you are buying a gift for an Asian person who is health-conscious, consider a Korean red ginseng product. Korean ginseng is prized for its quality and ability to boost stamina, making it very popular amongst Asian visitors. Most major tourist districts will sell ginseng products in the form of red ginseng extract, tea, or pills; Cheong Kwan Jang Ginseng is a popular store to try.

How to get to the National Souvenir Center:Take Seoul Metropolitan Subway Line 3 to Anguk Station, Exit 6. Go here for detailed directions to – and more information about - the center.

How to get to Cheong Kwan Jang Ginseng: Take Seoul Metropolitan Subway Line 2 to Euljiro 1-ga Station, Exit 6. Walk straight for 350m; the store will be on the left.

 

The Local

Frequent global travelers often already know that the hard-to-find and really local stuff can be found in the supermarkets, which are also particularly handy when buying in bulk or looking for a wide selection of gifts. In terms of what to buy at a Korean supermarket, Korea’s instant ramen noodles are enjoyed throughout the world, and at a supermarket, you will be faced with a whole aisle full of brands and flavors you may have never seen before.

There are also many chips, biscuits, and snacks waiting to be discovered (you may want to try a few for yourself in your hotel room before buying them for your friends!). Other current favorites include tteokbokki(spicy rice cake) chips, banana choco pies and honey butter almonds.

Another prevalent local option for souvenir shopping is a health and beauty store such as Olive Young or Watsons. They can be found in most big cities, and are stocked with a wide selection of Korean cosmetics and grooming products. Top souvenir items to take home are the cheap, but fun and useful face mask sheets.

Available in a variety of scents, including pomegranate, avocado, green tea, shea butter, mung bean, and more, face masks are great for cleaning away grime and make-up, or just to give your face a relaxing, moisturizing treatment.

 

The Last Minute Shopper

OK, so time got the better of you and you didn’t get to shop.  No problem: lucky for you, Incheon International Airport has one of the largest and best airport duty free shopping zones in the world.  Along with a surprising variety of luxury brands, liquor, and key chains, opportunities abound for buying unique Korean souvenirs and products.

 

Traditional Korean crafts, electronics, and Korea-themed souvenirs are readily available. For something edible, Korean wild raspberry Bokbunja wine is sweet, fruity, and easy on the palate. Another common favorite is prepackaged kimchi and also packets of salted and roasted laver (seaweed), which can be enjoyed with rice or alone as a snack. For a more daring choice, you can try one of several different types of flavored chocolate, including those with Jeju tangerines, Korean makgeolli rice wine, or even spicy red chili pepper. Duty-free stores are located throughout Incheon International Airport – go here for an online directory. 

Special Evening Admission to Korean Palaces Starts April 28

Remnants of the past from 500 years ago, Joseon Dynasty’s Gyeongbokgung Palace and Changgyeonggung Palace are welcoming visitors to special evening admissions. Evening admission to these prestigious palaces will be available on the third and fourth week of each month from April 28 to November 30.

 

 

The palaces’ evening admission is popular even among local Koreans as the tranquil evening atmosphere gives off a different feeling from that of during the day.

Evening admission is available from 19:00 to 21:30; admission hours will change to 19:30 to 22:00 in June, July, and August when the sun becomes longer.

For evening admissions, a separate ticket will be required, which will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis; tickets will be also required for visitors in hanbok as the free admission will not be available in the evening. In case the evening tickets to Gyeongbokgung Palace and Changgyeonggung Palace get sold out, visitors can visit Deoksugung Palace instead as it will be open for evening admissions as well.

Take note that due to the opening ceremony of Royal Culture Festival at Gyeongbokgung Palace, only Changgyeonggung Palace will be available for evening admission on April 28, the first day of the event. Evening admission will also be restricted from August 5 to September 15.

More Info on Gyeongbokgung Palace Special Evening Admission
☞ Period & operating hours * Last admission 1 hr before closing; closed Tuesdays.
- April (Royal Culture Festival): April 29-May 6 / 19:00-21:30
- May: May 20-June 2 / 19:00-21:30
- June: June 17-30 / 19:30-22:00
- July: July 22-August 4 / 19:30-22:00
- September: September 16-29 / 19:00-21:30
- October: October 21-November 3 / 19:00-21:30
☞ Admission fee: 3,000 won
☞ Ticket purchase: Sold on-site
* Foreigner admission limited to first 500 visitors; up to 4 tickets available per person.
* Only on-site ticket purchase available for foreigners.
☞ Gyeongbokgung Palace website: www.royalpalace.go.kr (Korean, English)

Changgyeonggung Palace Special Evening Admission
☞ Period & operating hours * Last admission 1 hr before closing; closed Mondays.
- April (Royal Culture Festival): April 28-May 6 / 19:00-21:30
- May: May 20-June 2 / 19:00-21:30
- June: June 17-30 / 19:30-22:00
- July: July 22-August 4 / 19:30-22:00
- September: September 16-29 / 19:00-21:30
- October: October 21-November 3 / 19:00-21:30
☞ Ticket purchase: Sold on-site
* Foreigner admission limited to first 300 visitors; up to 4 tickets available per person.
* Only on-site ticket purchase available for foreigners.
☞ Changgyeonggung Palace website: cgg.cha.go.kr (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)

Deoksugung Palace Evening Admission
☞ Period & operating hours * Tuesday-Sunday / 09:00-21:00 * Last admission 1 hr before closing.
☞ Admission fee: Adults 1,000 won, Children 500 won
* Special evening admission tickets are not required for Deoksugung Palace. Free admission to the palace is available for visitors wearing hanbok.
☞ Deoksugung Palace website: www.deoksugung.go.kr (Korean, English)

☞ Cultural Heritage Administration website: www.cha.go.kr (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
☞ 1330 Korea Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese, Russian, Vietnamese, Thai, Malay)

 

----
Information courtesy of Cultural Heritage Administration

Incentive Travel Ideas in Changwon: From Film Sets to Timeless Temples

Tucked away in Korea’s southeast where Gyeongsangnam-do Province meets the sea, the city of Changwon is a place of eye-catching extremes. While the provincial capital is known for mass production of the nation’s heavy industrial equipment from machinery to power plants, its rich natural assets are equally part of its character, including major ports and wetlands. Added to the mix is the city’s vibrant arts and culture scene, all of which taken together make it a unique place to visit. Presented below are just some of the ways Changwon and its surroundings can be enjoyed by incentive groups.

COLORFUL COMMUNITIES

In 2012, the official Changwon city blog declared that “Changdong is coming alive again”, a reference to recent government efforts to revitalize Masan district’s historic art quarter. Concentrated in three alleyways easily recognized by their strikingly-colorful wall murals, visitors today will find an eclectic assortment of street markets, handicraft and fashion stores, and restaurants. Cultural programs demonstrating Korean handicraft-making (eg – fabric dyeing, traditional paper, textiles, etc), body painting, and others can double as teambuilding activities and the creation of memorable souvenirs.

Look out for: artists making new creations in their studios while you watch.

Shopping: Unique Korean handicrafts, regional food specialties (eg - anchovies, deodeok [bellflower root], seaweed). Saturday visitors can enjoy the weekly village flea market.

Getting There: BY CAR: About 25-30 minutes’ drive from CECO. About 50-60 minutes’ drive from Gimhae Airport.

 

SCENIC SETS

Until someone invents time travel, the Maritime Filming Set in Masan may be the closest anyone gets to exploring a 2,000 year-old Korean port village. Designed to recreate the look and feel of a coastal village from the Gaya kingdom (circa CE 42-562 and site of modern-day Changwon), the roughly 10,000m² site regularly helps brings to life Korean historical television dramas. These include Kim Su-ro (2010), Warrior Baek Dong Soo (2011), and God of War (2012), to name a few. Among the waterfront wooden buildings with their distinctive sloping black-tiled roofs, visitors can expect to find such things as taverns, an ironmongers, and various other in-period features.

Look out for: Backdrops from your favorite dramas.

Getting There: BY CAR: About 40 minutes’ drive from CECO. About 60 minutes’ drive from Gimhae Airport.

 

TIMELESS TEMPLES

Haeinsa Temple, situated high in the mountains of Gayasan National Park northwest of Changwon, is well worth a visit both for its major role in Korean history and teambuilding opportunities. As with Buddhist philosophy, a journey to Haeinsa is part of the experience, as visitors follow a winding mountain trail filled with vendors and spectacular valley views. The temple itself, founded in CE 802, is best known for housing the Tripitaka Koreana, described by UNESCOas “the most complete collection of Buddhist texts, engraved on 80,000 woodblocks between 1237 and 1248”.

Haeinsa’s deep historical significance and remote position in the Gayasan mountains make its temple stay program highly recommended as an experience separated from the everyday world yet shared by group participants. The program is available on weekends for up to 35 persons at a time spanning two days and one night, during which time participants will follow the daily lives and activities of the temple monks. See here for a program schedule.

Look out for: a glimpse of the Tripitaka Koreana through the windows of Janggyeongpanjeong Hall at the temple’s apex; the spectacular beauty of the Hongryudong Valley and its flowing waterfalls – visible on the path leading to Haeinsa.

Getting There: BY CAR: About 2 minutes’ drive from CECO. About 2 hours’ drive from Gimhae Airport.

BY BUS: About 3 hours from Masan Express Bus Terminal or Masan Intercity Bus Terminal, transferring at Goryeong/Daegu Bus Station and from taking a bus bound for Haeinsa.

 

Click here to find venues, accommodation, and more activities in Changwon

Free Wi-Fi on Public Buses in Korea

The Korean Government will soon offer free wireless internet connection on public buses. According to Korea's Ministry of Science and ICT, it is an effort to provide its citizens better access to the internet and reduce their expenses on telecommunications.

 

The free Wi-Fi project will be implemented later this year, starting with around 4,200 buses, which is one-eight of the total buses in the country. The ministry aims to increase this number, hopefully covering all public buses in Korea.

In addition, President Moon Jae-in has announced that it will install more Wi-Fi zones in around 200,000 public locations across the country, such as bus terminals, hospitals, and post offices.

Source: Yonhap

Cherry Blossoms Festival in Korea Starts Late March

Fabulous cherry blossom festivals will be taking place in Seoul and on Jeju Island starting from late March.

As the first region in the country to welcome the sight of blooming blossoms, Jeju Island will hold its annual Jeju Cherry Blossom Festival starting this March 30 until April 8. Its venue spans over the area of Jeonnong-ro and Jangjeon-ri in Aewol-eup; vehicle will have limited access to allow visitors freely and safely take in the view.

As for Seoul, Seokchonhosu Lake Cherry Blossom Festival and Yeongdeungpo Spring Flower Festival are two of the first spring festivals to take place. Seokchonhosu Lake Cherry Blossom Festival will take place within the areas of Seokchonhosu Lake, located in proximity to the popular Lotte World and Lotte World Tower. Several events such as concerts, caricature booth, and cherry blossom market will make the festival livelier than ever.

Another Seoul’s prominent spring festival, Yeongdeungpo Yeouido Spring Flower Festival, will welcome visitors from April 7 to April 12. Visitors can walk along the Hangang River while appreciating the beauty of diverse spring flowers like rhododendrons, forsythias, azaleas, and, of course, the cherry blossoms.

Take a trip to Seoul and Jeju Island to enjoy spring in the air this April!

More Info

☞ Jeju Cherry Blossom Festival
- Period: March 30-April 8, 2018
- Location: Areas of Jeonnong-ro & Jangjeon-ri, Aewol-eup
* Jeonnong-ro festival takes place March 30-April 1; Jangjeon-ri, Aewol-eup festival takes place from April 7-8
- Directions:
* Jeonnong-ro (near Samdo 1-dong): From Jeju International Airport, take Bus No. 365 → Get off at Citizen’s Hall Bus Stop (10 bus stops, estimated 15 min) → Follow Jungang-ro 24-gil road towards Jeju Jungang Girls’ Middle School for approx. 600 m → Turn left after the school and walk straight approx. 80 m.
* Jangjeon-ri, Aewol-eup (near Jangjeon Elementary School): From Jeju International Airport, take Bus No. 365 → Get off at Halla Hospital Bus Stop (9 bus stops, estimated 14 min) and transfer to Bus No. 290-1 → Get off at Jangjeon Elementary School Bus Stop (24 bus stops, estimated 29 min.)

☞ Seokchonhosu Lake Cherry Blossom Festival
- Period: April 5-13, 2018
- Location: Areas of Seokchonhosu Lake
- Directions: Jamsil Station (Seoul Subway Line 2, 8), Exit 1~3.
* For details, refer to Seokchonhosu Lake Cherry Blossom website (Korean only).

☞ Yeongdeungpo Yeouido Spring Flower Festival
- Period: April 7-14, 2018
- Location: Areas of Yeouiseo-ro, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul (behind the National Assembly Building)
- Directions: National Assembly Station (Seoul Subway Line 9), Exit 1 → Turn left at Seogang University Intersection to Yunjung-ro Road

1330 Korea Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese, Russian, Vietnamese, Thai, Malay)

Information courtesy of Songpa-gu Office, Yeongdeungpo-gu Office & Jeju City Hall

PyeongChang Winter Olympics a Springboard for

Attracting International Conferences to Korea

While the enthusiasm of the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics is still on fire, Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) – MICE Bureau is organizing a series of roadshows across America and Europe from March to April, to promote Korea as an ideal destination for international conferences and meetings.

 

 

Korea is the most sought country for conventions according to the latest UIA Global Meetings Statistics report where Korea ranked number one with 997 meetings hosted in 2016. Last year, Korea had difficulties attracting business events due to certain political issues with North Korea. However, the amicable efforts shown by North Korea and South Korea during the 2018 Winter Olympics have caught public attention. KTO leverages this historic moment of unity to showcase Korea as a safe country and to invite international associations and groups to host meetings in Korea.

 

The roadshow will begin in Vienna (March 20) and will continue in Brussels (March 22), New York (April 3), Washington DC (April 5), and end in London (April 25). The delegation will be composed of officials from the Korea MICE Bureau, representatives of several regional convention bureaus including Seoul, Incheon, Busan, Gangwon, Daejeon, Jeju, Goyang, and selected venue, hotels, travel agencies and DMCs.

 

 

The Korea MICE Roadshows will have activities such as destination presentations, B2B meetings, gala dinners, and offer opportunities to establish potential partnerships and create wider networks with over 200 MICE buyers invited to participate in this program.

 

Taking into account the popularity of the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics and Hansik (Korean food), the roadshow in Vienna will be held in Kim Chingu, a Korean-style dining space owned by Korean Chef Sohee Kim. Meanwhile, roadshows in New York, Washington DC, and London will invite local celebrities and Winter Olympic medalists to share their travel experiences in Korea, their safe journey around Korea, and other charms of Korea.

 

"Following the successful hosting of the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics, along with the reconciliation of North Korea and South Korea – this is probably the best time to familiarize the American and European market on Korea. Through these roadshows, we aim to educate MICE specialized agencies and buyers about Korea's outstanding capabilities to host international conferences, promote "Korea Unique Venue" and our convention support program, and further boost Korea's image as a top destination for international conferences" Korea Tourism Organization - MICE Bureau Executive Director Kapsoo Kim said.

 

Apart from the roadshows, the Korea MICE Bureau also participates in major tradeshows and conferences such as IMEX, IBTM, ITB, and more. To learn more about Korea MICE Bureau and get a full schedule of their activities, please visit www.koreaconvention.org

 

---

Updates:

March 21, 2017 - New York and Washington DC will invite local journalist to share their experiences in Korea.

First look: Incheon International Airport (ICN) Terminal 2

 What’s better news other than being the World's Best Airport for 11 consecutive years?

No less than the opening of its expansion project.

 

Early this year, the Incheon International Airport (ICN) opened its new passenger terminal 2, just in time to welcome athletes and spectators of the PyeongChang Winter Olympic Games. The airport is currently being used by Korean Air, Delta Air Lines, Air France, and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines.

 

 

 

This swanky new airport is referred to as "Artport", a concept deriving from Art+Airport. In fact, it was designed to be a green, smart, and an artistic airport.

 

The 5-storey airport is equipped with more than just essentials to keep you feel fresh and entertained while waiting for your flight.

 

There are a wide range of food options at the first floor, ranging from a full course Korean meal to simple snacks and beverages. Also located on the first floor is the "Rafu Ku” a capsule hotel perfect for transient passengers waiting for their long flight or early morning flight.

 

 

T2 has a transfer lounge where you can enjoy the IT Experience Zone and the Kids Zone. These places consist of the digital library, internet zone, comfortable sleeping area, and tons of games and sport amenities. In addition, there are several shower rooms available where you can take a shower for free (only the shower kits are charged).

 

 

T2 airport is filled with several art installations, and a traditional Korean music and dance performance is done every now and then.

 

 

Of course, the popular duty-free shops are not to be missed. You will find almost everything from beauty cosmetics, Korean snacks, and even electronics mostly at discounted price.

 

Passengers from Terminal 1 can take the free shuttle bus to transfer to Terminal 2. The distance is 6.4km and the transfer will take approximately 6 minutes. Other transfer options are by taking the AREX and KTX train, which will cost an extra 600-900 won.

 

For more information about the Incheon International Airport Terminal 2 (T2), you may call their customer service at 1577-2600.

 

Related pages:

• Read more about Incheon’s MICE industry.
• Find meeting venues in Incheon.

PyeongChang 2018 Paralympic Games Start March 9

 

The Olympic games might have ended, but the Paralympic games still remain,

starting from March 9-18.

 

Paralympics are held every 4 years after the Olympics end at the host city. This year in Pyeongchang, six games are planned, including alpine ski, biathlon, cross country, ice hockey, snowboard, and wheelchair curling.

The Opening Ceremony will be held on March 9 from 20:00 ? 21:50 at the Olympic Stadium inside Pyeongchang Olympic Plaza, and the games will begin on March 10.

The tickets to the Opening Ceremony, Closing Ceremony, and the games will be sold at PyeongChang 2018 official website, CoSport website and on-site ticket box office. Take note that tickets might get sold out early.

During the Paralympics period, visitors will be able to enjoy convenient services provided by Gangwon-do. Gangwon-do has supported 256 businesses including restaurants, accomodations, convenient stores, and pharmacies to make sure they are disabled-friendly. Wheelchair ramps, accessible accomodation, and designated restrooms have been installed; you can find a full list of businesses here. Futhermore, these businesses will be marked with “GOOD ACCESS” sticker for visitors’ convenience. For people who need assistance with hearing and speaking, the Sign Language Call Center (+82-70-7947-8745) is available to provide help.

Transportation convenience will also increase with more KTX trains to Gangneung Station. Direct train from Incheon International Airport Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 to Gangneung Station will operate four times a day, while one way train from Seoul Station to Gangneung Station will operate 22 times on weekdays and 30 times on weekends. Furthermore, to accommodate visitors with disabilities, 15 wheelchair accessible seats (2 electric, 13 regular wheelchair accessible seats) are available, as well as, 60 regular seats available for early reservation for those with disabilities and their companion.

As it was with PyeongChang 2018, shuttle bus services to the games from major stations and terminals will also be available. The shuttle bus will run from March 9-19, free of charge. Be sure to go and feel the passion of the Paralympics.

 

☞ PyeongChang Paralympics main schedule:
- Opening Ceremony: Mar. 9, 2018. 20:00 - 21:50 / Pyeongchang Olympic Stadium
- Closing Ceremony: Mar. 18, 2018. 20:00 - 21:20 / Pyeongchang Olympic Stadium

☞ Ticket purchase:
- tickets.pyeongchang2018.com (Korean, English)
- www.cosport.com (Multilingual)
- On-site Ticket Office available (Tickets may be sold out in advance and unable for purchase)

☞ List of Gangwon-do disabled-friendly businesses
- bfplace.com (Korean, English)

☞ Sign Language Call Center
- Inquiries: +82-70-7947-8745 (Video chat available) / +82-10-4418-8745 (Both video chat & text message assistance available
- Operating hours: 10:00 - 22:00 / Daily during Palarympics period
- Available language: English Sign Language

☞ PyeongChang 2018 Paralympic Games website: www.pyeongchang2018.com (Kor, Eng, Jap, Chn, Fr)

☞ KTX Gyeonggang Line schedule information
- Incheon International Airport Terminal 2 Station - Gangneung Station: 10:25, 13:25, 17:30, 20:40
- Incheon International Airport Terminal 1 - Gangneung Station: 10:36, 13:36, 17:41, 20:51
- Seoul Station - Gangneung Station: First train 08:01, Last train 21:41

KTX Temporary Train Operating Hours (From Gangneung Station)

After the Opening Ceremony (Mar. 9)

After the Closing Ceremony (Mar. 18)

Last train during the game period (Mar. 10 - 16)

☞ Korail website: www.letskorail.com  ( Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)

☞ Shuttle bus operating information
- Operating period: Mar. 9-19, 2018
- Operating hours: 3 hrs. before the first match & 2 hrs. after the last match. Operates every day.

- Shuttle bus routes and schedules
www.pyeongchang2018.com (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese, French)

☞ Gangwon-do Provincial Office website: www.provin.gangwon.kr (Kor, Eng, Jap, Chn, Rus)

☞ 1330 Korea Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese, Russian, Vietnamese, Thai, Malay)

 

---

Information courtesy of Gangwon-do Provincial Office, Korail, PyeongChang 2018 Committee