Driving where the road ends Travel Scene Korean cooking classes for tourists

Korea's culinary traditions have long been tourist attractions themselves. One

can not visit the country without trying kimchi or pulgogi at least once. But

when Japanese tourists began to inquire how to actually prepare these popular

Korean dishes, Korea's cooking schools were only too happy to oblige.

The Japanese have been among the top buyers of packaged kimchi, and

many have expressed interest in making kimchi in the original centuries-old

method Koreans employ. Culinary institute have since been established,

particularly Han's Culinary Institute, Yejiwon Cooking Academy and Korea

Food System. All three are now offering oneday cooking classes on kimchi,

dishes with ginseng, the grilled beef ribs dish known as kalibi and other local

dishes.

Renowned Korean cookbook author Han Jung-hea, founder of Han's, says the

most popular among its four cooking courses for tourists is the one which

teaches kimchi, marinated beef or pulgogi and a pan-fried dish of fish or

vegetables. The course costs about 55,000 won. After class, students can

bring home their achievements or enjoy them with rice and soup from the

institute.

Classes are conducted twice a week and participants have ranged from

Japanese chefs wishing to learn new dishes to a team of Hong Kong

journalists.

The popularity of Korean food particularly among Asian tourists is not

surprising, according to Jung-hea. Considering the similarity of Korea's

culinary traditions with other Asian cuisine, plus the availability of Korean

staples like rice, winter cabbages and radish in the region, Korean food is a

must-try experience for visitors.

To reach more tourists, Han's Culinary Institute will be offering a special

cooking course in English this summer. The course will feature another dish

fast gaining popularity in Korean restaurants around the world, samgyetang.

The dish is made of chicken boiled extensively with ginseng. The result is a

steaming, melt-in-your-mouth chicken in ginseng broth, considered a Korean

chicken soup for the heart and soul.

Other cooking schools are following suit this summer with English courses

targeting foreigners. For many visitors to Korea, the culinary experience can

begin immediately with the in flight service of Asiana Airlines (OZ), Korea's

second national carrier.

Cathay has best Business Class

Cathay Pacific Airways has been named Best Airline - Business Class at the

1999 Travel Trade Gazette (TTG) Travel Awards. The airline was voted best in

its field by suppliers and industry leaders from around the Asia-Pacific region.

This is the second consecutive year Cathay Pacific has been recognized as

the leader in the Business Class category.

"We are very proud to win this award as the business sector is one of the

most keenly fought over markets in the airline industry," said Tom Wright,

Cathay Pacific's general manager inflight services. "This is aconfirmation that

our dedication to our unique style of 'Service straight from the heart' is paying

off."

Cathay Pacific's Business Class provides passengers with a wide choice of

world-class entertainment, fresh regional cuisine served restaurant-style, and

comfortable seating with plenty of legroom.

As business travelers typically desire to get to their destination as swiftly as

possible, Cathay Pacific offers a number of services to ensure that check-in is

quick and convenient. This includes PhoneCheck service, No Bag Check-in

service, early check-in and return check-in. A downtown CityCheck service is

also available for business travelers in Seoul and Manila.

The annul TTG travel awards recognizes the most outstanding individuals and

organizations in the Asia Pacific travel industry. The award ceremony was

held during the 1999 PATA Travel Mart Gala Dinner at the Orchard Hotel in

Singapore.