Tourism in Korea

[Anchor Lead]

The local tourism sector was alarmed by China's ban on travels to South Korea in retaliation against Seoul's deployment of the US missile defense system THAAD. However first quarter data shows the total number of foreign tourists has actually increased thanks to sharp growth among non-Chinese tourists.

[Pkg]

The famed shopping district of Myeongdong in downtown Seoul is a top destination among foreign tourists. Crowds can be seen enjoying their visit despite the rainy weather. Many appear to be from Southeast Asia. Myeongdong is still crowded even in the absence of various events which were geared toward Chinese tourists last year.

[Soundbite] (Tourist from Malaysia)

In spite of China's retaliatory measures against Korea's deployment of the THAAD U.S. missile defense system, the number of foreign tourists visiting Korea jumped more than 3 percent in the first quarter of the year. The number of Chinese tourists fell by 9 percent, but tourist from other regions such as Taiwan, Southeast Asia and Europe have all increased.

[Soundbite] (Tourist from France)

Jeju-do Island reported a drop of over 80 percent in the number of Chinese tourists since Beijing's ban on travel to Korea, but the vacancy has been nearly filled by non-Chinese tourists. Domestic travelers to Jeju have also jumped ten percent. Overall, the island has only suffered a 3.3 percent drop in incoming tourists. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism will step up promotional efforts overseas including PR sessions in countries such as Vietnam, Japan and India.