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HONG
KONG
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CANADA
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EUROPE
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USA
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INDONESIA
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SINGAPORE
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THAILAND
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Philippines |
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Korea has something for everyone, all year round
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Source: Manila Bulletin |
Author: None |
Date: 2001-09-17 |
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A successful travel destination is judged by the adage that it must have something for everyone. And Korea, which offers a diverse range of attractions from cosmopolitan cities to ancient fortresses, is definitely one.
The capital city of Seoul alone has attractions raging from theme parks and designated shopping districts like Itaewon and Nandaemun to historic palaces, museums and gardens.
Meanwhile, Lotte World, Asia’s largest indoor theme park and leisure center, boasts of the $3.8 million production called the World Carnival. Located in downtown Seoul, Lotte World also has a grand hotel and one of the city’s largest shopping centers.
On the other hand, the historic 40-acre Kyongbokkung Palace, built in 1394 and containing several ancient and royal structures, gives visitors a peak at Korea’s glorious past. A basic city tour should include this royal residence.
Moving on to provincial sites means long but speedy through Korea’s modern highways. The town of Kyongju bears the title “Museum Without Walls” and was the capital of the Shilla Kingdom, the golden age of Korean culture. In 1995, two sites form this ancient town, Pulguksa Temple and Sokkuram Grotto were added to UNECO’s World Heritage List. A walk through this town of pagodas, statues, temples and the ruins of ancient structures along its valley and hills bring visitors back to 1,000 golden years of Korean history.
Some 85 miles south of the Korean mainland lies the country’s top honeymoon and vacation spot. Jeju Island visitors can enjoy a host of outdoor sports on land, air and sea, plus beaches, waterfalls and even a lava-tube cave. The island is also dotted with the mysterious Tolharubang, Easter Island-like stone statues considered guardian deities from the ancient days.
If basking through Korea’s four seasons sounds more appealing, the Mt. Naejangsan Maple Tree Festival is set for November when autumn leaves bring earth colors to a new brightness. Spring and summer are equally enjoyable in Korea with events like the Mt. Maisan Cherry Blossom Festival. Winter usually lasts until early March so there is much to enjoy at the annual Fun Ski and Snow Festival. Free winter sports lessons and fabulous accommodations are offered by participating ski resorts.
National carrier Asiana Airlines (OZ), Air Transport World’s 2001 Passenger Service of the Year awardee, flies to Seoul and onward to 45 other destinations worldwide daily.
Asiana flies to Seoul from Manila daily except Fridays. Other destinations worldwide include Los Angeles, New York, Seattle and San Francisco in the US. Also available are code-shared flights with American Airlines to other U.S. destinations such as Miami, Chicago, Newark, Dallas, Las Vegas, San Diego and Washington.
For more information, call Asiana Airlines at 892-5681-88.
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