Spring blooms in all its glory
KOREA Tourism Organization (KTO) once again will be participating in the upcoming MATTA Fair, highlighting the tourism destinations in Korea for the spring and summer season.
There will be nine exhibitors consisting of regional tourism provinces and local service providers from South Korea that will participate in the travel fair to promote South Korea as a tourist destination as well as interact with the MATTA visitors during the fair.
Gift redemption for customers who purchase on site include:
• With purchase of Korea tour package (full/ground): limited edition Korea tote bag and pouch set
• With purchase of Korea Muslim tour package: KTO Muslim prayer mat
• With purchase of Korea tour package inclusive of Jeju (minimum two nights stay): eco straw and cutlery set.
These items are while stocks last, terms and conditions apply. Activities during the fair include:
• Korean travel information booth
• Gift redemption for customers who purchase Korea tour packages at the venue
• Official KTO mascots appearances and photo session
• Booth and stage events such as games and quizzes conducted by exhibitors
• Free Hanbok experience and redeem mystery gift when you upload your photo to your social media
• Korean traditional music performance
• Korean make-up demonstration
• More activities to be updated.
Destination highlights
The beauty of spring in bloom, starting as early as March, when the cold winds and freezing temperatures of winter begin to subside and spring draws near.
In Korea, a wide array of events celebrating the season are held throughout the country, where many activities take to the outdoors thanks to the milder weather. The return of the warmer weather not only brings countless beautiful wild flowers into bloom, but also gives families a chance to spend precious time with their loved ones.
> Meet the first cherry blossoms of the year at Jeju Cherry Blossom Festival
Location at entrance of Jeju National University, Jeonnong-ro, Jangjeon-ri, Jeju-do
The Jeju Cherry Blossom Festival is where the nation’s first cherry blossoms can be seen. The festival features a cherry blossom photo zone as well as various other programmes to enjoy.
In addition, the festival can be enjoyed fully day or night with the use of a vast lighting system.
> Walk through the fantastic cherry blossom tunnel at Jinhae Gunhangje Festival
Location at Jinhae-gu, Changwon-si, Gyeongsangnam-do
This festival takes place early April when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom.
Jinhae Gunhangje Festival draws in more than two million tourists each year and visitors are greeted by showers of cherry blossom petals as they pass through a tunnel of cherry trees.
There are various events not to be missed, such as the Jinhae International Military Band and Honour Guard Festival and fireworks show.
> Gyeongju Cherry Blossom Marathon
Usually takes place during the peak cherry blossom season in Korea, attracting many runners locally and internationally. Runners can choose from four courses: full, half, 10km and 5km.
Gyeongju is Korea’s ancient capital, home to many relics and Unesco World Heritage sites, making the city an open-air museum full of things to see and enjoy.
The marathon route takes runners around some popular tourist sights such as Cheomseongdae Observatory, Gyeongju Donggung Palace, Wolji Pond and Bomunho Lake.
> Spring flowers along Dalmaji-gil
A small walkway on the corner to Songjeong Beach, located just beyond Haeundae Beach is a road lined with beautiful cherry blossoms and pine trees, on the slope of Wausan Mountain.
> The yellow waves of flowers roll upon Jeju in spring
The canola flower is one of the flowers of spring that represent Jeju.
In the southern region where the climate remains warm, even by Jeju’s standard, the bright yellow canola flowers start to bloom at the end of winter and last throughout spring.
Canola flowers are found everywhere in Jeju, and they are known to have been planted in large volumes in Jeju since the 1960s.
This is because they grow well, even in cold and humid weather, and are highly suited for Jeju’s barren soil.
> Everland Tulip Festival Everland hosts the Tulip Festival to mark the onset of spring from March to April each year.
Over 1.2 million tulips in 100 different varieties including Apeldoorn, Synaeda Blue and Pink Diamond will be on display.
Guests will love to visit the themed garden, featuring sculptures and paths adorned with beautiful spring flowers.
One of the most popular photo zones is the 26m-tall Flower Magic Tower, and as night falls, the unique LED Musical Rose Garden can be enjoyed, where LED roses are lit in various colours, accompanied with dynamic background music.
> Greet early Summer with Goseong Lavender Festival
Location at Hani Lavender Farm, 175, Kkotdaemaeul-gil, Goseonggun, Gangwon-do
Every June, the areas around Eocheon-ri in Goseong-gun are covered with the purple lavender fields. During this season, many local and international visitors attend the annual Goseong Lavender Festival.
Some of these include a lavender photo exhibit and a photo contest at the farm and the village, as well as a photo gallery and a classical music concert, to name a few.
■ Visit the Korean Tourism Organization during MATTA Fair this March 15-17 at PWTC Kuala Lumpur, Dewan Tun Razak 1, Hall 1, booths 1137-1160.
For more information visit www. visitkorea.com.my or its Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ KTOMalaysia/