NO, it wasn’t shopping that lured me to accept the invitation to go to Korea,
which is now promoting its Visit Korea Year 2001. Actually, I was eager to
use my mobile phone’s international roaming feature for the first time. Of
course, I was reluctant to leave behind Mavi, my seven-month-old daughter.
But, with my cellular phone’s special feature, I was certain I could still check
on her anytime, anywhere in Korea.
Two of my colleagues were also hoping they could use their mobile phones to
connect with their families and leave instructions in the office. But while
waiting for our flight at the posh Asiana lounge here, we were informed that
we wouldn’t be able to use our phones because Globe and Smart have no
network coverage in Korea. Although we were disappointed, we still brought
our phones with us hoping that, by some miracle, we could get connected
from Seoul.
After a five-hour flight via Asiana Airlines, we landed at Incheon International
Airport, the newly opened airport in Seoul. Korea is one hour ahead of
Manila. We were awed at the vast, modern and spanking clean airport. Huge
copper-colored beams on the ground floor perfectly matched the exquisite
stained windows. One of my colleagues exclaimed, ``I hate them (Koreans).
They’re so rich. I envy them.’’
When we stepped out of the airport, we anxiously pulled out our cell phones
from our backpack and pressed down on the power button. Yes! There was
no signal. We spent a few minutes swearing and cursing Filipino
telecommunication companies, which made us believe their claims of having
the ``widest coverage worldwide". "Without our cell phones, this trip better
be worth it,’’ we muttered to ourselves.
It’s springtime in Korea. The air is cool, crisp, occasionally nippy. Jackets
and blazers are ideal get-up. Korea has four seasons: winter
(December–February), spring (March-May), summer (June-August) and
autumn (September-November). On our way to Lotte World Hotel, about
an hour away from Incheon, we noticed that Koreans are suckers for long,
wide roads. Every road we took was like a freeway, well-paved and
unpolluted. Some roads were being constructed in certain areas, but unlike in
Manila, the roadwork doesn’t obstruct the flow of traffic.
So much alike
Koreans have a great deal of similarities with Filipinos. Like us, the Koreans
were under Japanese colonial rule and it took several years before they were
freed from their oppressors. Like us, Koreans are warm, friendly and caring.
Most of all, like us, Koreans are cell phones maniacs.
``More than half of the Korean population own a cellular phone,’’ said our
English-speaking Korean tour guide Kim Hee-Joong. Only two Korean
brands control the market -- Samsung and Lucky Goldstar. These phones
are operated exclusively by the Korean telecommunications firms, SK and
LG telecommunications. Koreans patronize their own products, including
cars. Hyundai, Kia and Daewoo vehicles fill the streets. LG and SK
companies run even gasoline stations.
Like Filipinos, Koreans are shopaholics. Their department stores, shopping
districts and traditional markets are bursting with people, both locals and
tourists. In Seoul, popular shopping areas are Dongdaemon, Namdaemon
and Itaewon.
They say if your want to know about Korea in just a few days, then you must
visit Namdaemon market. It’s the largest Korean traditional market. Its
greatest merit, we were told, is that you can buy a wide range of products at
prices lower than in other shopping areas of Seoul. Virtually anything you
want can be found here – clothes, shoes, houseware, food, luggage, furniture,
etc. At Dongdaemon, shops are open until 5 a.m. It is brightly lit and plays
cheerful music. The biggest sellers are fabric, clothing, leathergoods, bed
linens, houseware and footwear. Here, business is more brisk at night than in
daytime. Many merchants from rural areas come to the area mostly at night
for business. Itaewon caters to tourists and people from the nearby American
military base. It carries branded items like Prada, LV, Nike and Adidas.
Tourism at its best
Shopping is the main come-on that the Korea National Tourism Organization
(KNTO) and Asiana Airlines, our trip’s major sponsors, hopes will bring
people to the country for Visit Korea Year 2001, which aims to show visitors
the hidden beauty of Korea. ``We hope to entice more foreign visitors to
experience our natural and cultural treasures than ever before,’’ said Cho
Young-shim, chair of Travel Korea 2001. ``We have festivals and special
events arranged for our tourists. We want to make their trip to Korea more
interesting, allowing real participation in and interaction with our people and
culture, beyond just ordinary passive viewing.’’
Asiana Airlines, Korea’s second national flag carrier, has been doing its part
in promoting Visit Korea 2001. Asiana is offering a pleasant trip to all its
passengers, whether in economy or business class. With its Asiana Club,
members are allowed to earn free flights. As part of its promo, Asiana has
expanded its frequent flyer program for families. The airline’s Family Mileage
Plan allows club member parents and their Magic Miles-registered children to
pool their mileage points for bonus rewards. Under one Family Mileage Plan,
up to five immediate family members within three generations are now
allowed to pool their miles.
In general, Korea is trying its best to build the country’s image and reputation
as one of the world’s tourist destinations, in preparation for the 2002 World
Cup and Asian Games that it will be hosting. ``There is an opportunity this
year to upgrade our facilities and services to higher standards. We have a
chance to make it into the upper ranks of global tourist destinations, if we can
succeed in this challenge,’’ Asiana said.
The first Visit Korea Year was held in 1994, reportedly with mixed results
mainly due to the crisis arising from North Korea’s nuclear program as well
as high prices arising from unstable currency. ``Frankly speaking, we all
know Korea has in the past lacked sufficient quality facilities and services,
and suffered from the excessively high barriers of language and attitude.
Problems included lack of timely and accurate information in English or other
languages, and a dearth of qualified translators; a crisis of traffic and parking
in urban areas; and attitudes unfriendly to foreign travelers,’’ noted Dho.
Now, Korea assures travelers that they are working very hard this year to
solve these problems. ``With Visit Korea Year 2001, it’s a crucial step in
South Korea’s evolution towards becoming a world-class economy and
society. We hope adventure-seeking travelers from all around the globe will
come to Korea to see our splendid sights, taste our zesty food and have fun
at our colorful festivals.’’
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