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Lonely Planet’s newly released ‘Best in Travel 2013’ names Korea as number three of the top ten destinations in the world to visit in 2013.  South Korea’s growing popularity with visitors to the country has seen a big rise in interest from foreign visitors in recent years.

With over ten million foreign visitors expected to visit Korea by the end of this year the word is out about Korea as a popular travel destination.  No doubt the popularity of PSY’s ‘Gangnam Style’ has added to this interest in Korea from around the world with over half a billion hits now on Youtube.

Lonely Planet’s endorsement of Korea as a great place to visit will no doubt encourage a lot more visitors from around the world to plan a visit to the country.  Lonely Planet mentions Korea’s great outdoors and recreational activities like mountain climbing, fishing, golfing and skiing as becoming more popular with foreign visitors as they get to know the country better.

Most people think of Korea as a highly populated country and large cities, but 70% of Korea is mountainous and it has incredible mountain ranges and stunning national parks to go trekking and skiing and enjoy nature.  Korea is becoming popular with Australian skiers as it leads up to the hosting of the 2018 Winter Olympics.

Aside from the natural attractions, Korea offers 5,000 years of history and culture to experience, numerous UNESCO World Heritage sites to explore and of course the very popular Korean cuisine which is one of the top reasons visitors enjoy Korea.  Along with its welcoming and friendly locals, visitors to the country can immerse themselves in the many cultural experiences on offer.  Join in one of the hundred festivals around the country each year and you can see and understand much of the lives of Koreans.

Nowadays, you can enjoy activities such as the overnight templestay programs where you can learn how to meditate and enjoy temple cuisine and also visitors can join the many food experiences on offer like making your own kimchi or taking a night food tour of the capital Seoul.  You can learn the ancient art of taekwondo and join in the fun at one of the major festivals around the country like the Boryeong Mud Festival.

Korea is a country of inspiration, where you become one of the locals and truly experience life as it is for Koreans today.  See for yourself how Korea has become one of the trendiest places for young people with Korea leading the way in fashion, style, K-Pop, films and more.

See Korea for yourself in 2013 and enjoy one of the hottest destinations on the planet.

Dated:  26 October, 2012

Further information:  Jennifer Doherty, KTO Sydney office

Email:  jenny@knto.org.au  Phone:  02)9252-4147