SOUTH KOREA
South Korea is well-known for its entertainment products like K-Pop, dramas and video
games. Seoul, as the capital and largest metropolis of South Korea, it is a place full of
glories. It is the 4th largest metropolitan economy after Tokyo, New York and Los Angeles.
In 2010, Seoul was named as the World Design Capital and its Human Development index
ranked 13 along the globe.
In this digital age, people are addicted to the electronic inventions. Samsung, an electronic
gadgets company which owned the 3rd largest group of users among the world was
originated in Seoul. Actually, LG, another world-known cell phone producer is also
originated in Seoul. At the same time, video games invented in Seoul own the 3rd largest
group of users among the world. Do you know why this city has such sound results in the
digital area? In fact, The South Korea government invests half billion Won to the digital
area each year. The government is now constructing a Wi-Fi network in the out-door
spaces, access at 10,430 parks, streets, and other public spaces. The whole construction
costs in total of 6 billion Won. With this huge Wi-Fi network, it makes Seoul more ‘travelerfriendly’. Tourists are able to access to the internet for sharing happiness to their friends
and family.
Seoul was voted to be the world most wanted travel destination by Chinese, Japanese and
Thai tourists for 3 consecutive years (Year of 2010, 2011 and 2012). 63.2% of the country’s
GDP comes from its retail business. It shows that tourism holds the key of the country’s
economy. But, why people are so devoted to travel to this place?
I believed that it is due to the influence of Hallyu. Maybe you will wonder what Hallyu is. It
is talking about the popular music and dramas made in South Korea. Fans of Hallyu can
understand culture of South Korea through the products of Hallyu. Some of them will even
go to learn Korea for the sake of convenience when they are watching the K-dramas.
Devotees of K-dramas want to visit those places where the characters meet and live. Fans
of K-Pop stars want to travel to Seoul to see whether they are fortunate to meet their idols
in Seoul. All these are the reasons that why the devotees of Hallyu are so eager to travel to
Seoul.
Other than the power of Hallyu, I believe that Seoul gets other charisma to attract tourists.
Seoul, as a leading and rapidly rising global city, it has a smart and digital image. It is hard
to put the ‘old’ tag on it. However, this city owns 4 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and it is
home to more than 100 museums. You are able to find museums with different themes
easily in Seoul. Amazingly, different from those heritage sites and museums in Hong Kong,
those in Seoul are always filled with people. Not only travelers, but with the Koreans.
And, shopping is always the reason for ladies to go travelling. There are quite a number of
beauty brands that are originated in Seoul. Usually, you are able to buy their products with
a lower price in Seoul. At the same time, Korean clothing fashion is popular among the
young’s. Teenagers love to go to the boutiques to purchase Korean fashion items. They are
cheap but with high quality. These attract tourists to put Seoul on their list of traveling.
Attitude of the locals plays an important role in affecting tourists’ impression towards the
country. In my memories, Koreans are often energetic, friendly and polite. It is glad that
you can find ways to travel to your destination by asking strangers on streets in foreign
countries. Koreans are so willing to offer a helping hand to me when I got lost in Seoul. I am
thankful to them.
Seoul is a place where it worth people to travel to. It is a warm and beautiful place that full
of dreams and miracle.