The Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) Singapore office successfully concluded a six-day familiarisation trip, introducing travel agents to Gyeongsangbuk-do and Daegu Metropolitan City.

From 30 May to 4 June, agents explored the historical attractions and cultural activities of Gyeongju, Pohang, Andong, and Mungyeong.

Participating travel agents visited historic sites in Gyeongju including Bulguksa, Cheomseongdae Observatory, and Hwangnidan-gil.

During their visit to Gyeongju, the group immersed themselves in the rich history of the Silla Kingdom, exploring iconic sites like Bulguksa Temple, Cheomsongdae Observatory, and Wolji Pond. They also discovered the vibrant transformation of Hwangnidan-gil, now a trendy shopping street adorned with boutiques, cafés, and traditional hanok-style guesthouses.

The coastal city of Pohang welcomed the group with visits to renowned K-drama filming locations, including a hilltop lookout featured in Hometown Cha-cha-cha and the picturesque Guryongpo Japanese House Street, known for its appearance in When the Camellia Blooms.

On a tour of Andong Hanji paper factory, visitors can try their hand at making traditional Korean paper.

The agents indulged in a delectable feast of local specialties, graciously hosted by Pohang City. Savouring the flavors of the region, they delighted in a memorable dinner experience. Later, they embarked on a sunset walk at the Hwanho Park Space Walk, a walkable “rollercoaster” opened in 2021 featuring winding loops and elevations.

Omynara winery is the first in the world to produce sparkling wine from Omjia berries using traditional champagne-making techniques.

In Andong and Mungyeong, the group delved into immersive local experiences. They discovered the ancient art of Hanji Korean paper making, marveling at the craftsmanship involved. The journey continued with a tour of an Omija (magnolia berry) winery, where they indulged in the distinctive flavours of this regional specialty.

The trip also featured a B2B networking session where the travel agents met with local suppliers for Gyeongbuk Province for a glimpse of unique opportunities in beauty, wellness, and adventure tourism.

Travel agents admired breathtaking views of the Baekdudagan mountain range from the top of Dansan, after taking the Mungyeong-Dansan Monorail.

“Gyeongbuk is known for its rich history, with the greatest number of national cultural heritage listings of the provinces, including UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Bulguksa and the Andong Hahoe Village,” said Son Sam Ho, director for tourism marketing, Gyeongsangbuk-do Government. “We are excited to welcome more tourists with the tours developed from this familiarisation trip.”

Daegu, the third-largest metropolitan city in South Korea, also hosted the group for two nights. The travel agents enjoyed a tour of E-World theme park, Apsan Café Street, and the Modern Culture Alley. They also shopped at Dongseongro, a shopping street rivalling Seoul’s Myeongdong, and visited Seomun Night Market.

At Mungyeong Saejae, visitors can attend complimentary Omija tea tastings to learn more about this traditional beverage.

Participating travel agents were positive about the region’s tourism opportunities. “Pohang is definitely very relatable for tourists because of the K-drama filming sites,” said participant Siti Aishah Said, travel manager, Azza Travel & Tours. “Furthermore, Singaporeans also enjoy receiving insights about little-known local traditions, like the tea ceremony or how Korean sweets are used in celebrations.”

The Korea Tourism Organization is dedicated to expanding the recognition of South Korea's exceptional attractions and cultural festivities beyond the well-known destinations of Seoul, Busan, and Jeju. As part of its Visit Korea Year campaign for 2023-2024, the organisation aims to highlight 100 captivating travel events throughout the country and showcase 100 must-visit tourist spots, unveiling the diverse wonders that await explorers across South Korea.

Travel agents enjoyed the street food and bustling crowd of Daegu's Seomun Night Market.

South Korea is also swiftly restoring its air connectivity across Southeast Asia, ensuring convenient access for travellers. In addition to flights to Seoul through Incheon International Airport, Singaporeans can now explore Jeju Island with Scoot, and Busan with Jeju Air. Additionally, Singapore Airlines will reintroduce non-stop flights to Busan in August, further enhancing travel options and connectivity between the two nations.

The itinerary

Gyeongju:

• Visit Bulguksa Temple and Seoguram Grotto (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
• Visit Gyeongju Expo Park
• Tour Daereungwon Tomb Complex & Cheomseongdae Observatory, the oldest known astronomical observatory in Asia
• Explore Hwangnidan-gil shopping street
• Visit Woljeong Bridge, then admire the night view at Donggung Palace & Wolji Pond

Pohang:

• Visit Igari Anchor Observatory,
• Hike to the top of Sabang Memorial Park, the hideout of Chief Hong in K-drama

Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha

• Visit Jukdo Market and Guryongpo Japanese House Street
• Admire views of the city from Hwanho Park Space Walk

Andong:

• Experience making

Hanji Korean paper at a local paper factory

• Tour Andong Hahoe Village and watch a Hahoe mask dance performance
• Ride a moon boat for night views on the Nakdong River

Mungyeong:

• Visit the Mungyeong Saejae historical film set
• Ride the Mungyeong-Dansan Monorail to view the Baekdudaegan mountain range
• Tour Omynara winery and sample the world’s first Omija sparkling wine

Daegu:

• Visit E-World theme park
• Stroll along Daegu’s Herbal Medicine Market and Modern Culture Alley
• Shop at Dongseong-ro, Daegu’s downtown shopping street
• Sample Korean street food at Seomun Night Market