Korea’s positioning as the third top destination, globally, in the MICE and corporate segment is no fluke. Besides offering world-class hospitality, and facilities, its fame is also bolstering thanks to its high-flying hip-hop culture and experiential components that have plenty in them too make it a robust leisure destination as well.
Beyond the ‘mystic’ Korea – which is accentuated by monasteries and heritage structures dotted across its beautiful landscape – its growing influence on the urban youth, courtesy its music and hip-hop culture, most recent being the global smash-hit Oppan Gangnam Style, is making Indians more aware of what we have to offer, says Byungsun Lee, Director Korea Tourism Organization. Speaking at the gala event hosted at the Hyatt Regency, in the capital, to celebrate the Korean Night 2015, he mentioned that it was primarily the corporate and MICE segment that gave them repeat clientele – which also manifested into leisure travelers. Further noting that after the USA and Singapore, Korea was the third top destination globally in the MICE segment, he added that, “we offer world-class facilities and second-to-none hospitality to our patrons. There are so many experiential offerings that add more value to money making us a preferred getaway for corporate meetings.”
Pointing towards a steadily growing interest among Indian travelers in Korea’s varied offerings, he divulged that it was for the first time that the numbers were expected to touch hundred and fifty thousand. “I’ve noticed a growing interest in Korea tourism from various parts of India. Korea is gradually moving to the top of the destination charts of new and potential destinations for the Indian traveler,” he said. Mentioning that over the past five years, the number of Indian tourists to Korea had increased by more than seventy percent, he hoped that with the signing of MoU between the two nations on enhanced air-connectivity, these numbers would only grow from here. “Now that we have an agreement of tripling the number of flights per week, I am more than confident that it will help grow businesses and movement, translating into enhanced footfalls,” he said addressing a packed hall.
Terming Korea as a perfectly placed destination, on the world map, he said that it takes only seven hours from Delhi and eight from Mumbai to reach us. “We are conveniently located,” he said.
Calling it a unique nation where one could witness serene beaches and snowfall in a matter of hours, he noted that not many countries could boast of such diversity in such a short distance of travel. He further dispelled the myth that food remained an issue for a majority of vegetarians coming from India to the Korean shores, saying that,” besides having a plethora of Korean cuisines that are soothing to the taste buds, we also have a number of Indian restaurants serving authentic Indian dishes to ensure that you do not miss your food.” Adding that most of the population spoke English and it was not an expensive destination, he stressed that, “Language and communication are no barriers as many perceive them to be. Prices are reasonable and there are ample accommodation options ranging from budget to uber-luxury. So, we would want more Indians to experience our nation and its amazing hospitality.”
