Tourism Booming in South Korea despite Fears of Recession

The South Korean economy is feared to be heading towards a recession as domestic demand slows. In addition, the local currency fell by as much as 38 percent in 2008, making it expensive for Koreans to import or to go overseas. But tourism is booming in South Korea these days as foreigners flock to the country to enjoy the winter season.

Worries that business at ski resorts would be bad because of the financial crisis proved to be unfounded. An increasing number of tourists from Southeast Asia, China, Canada and even the U.S. are heading for South Korean ski slopes.

Despite the economic slump, the country is expecting about US$8.6 billion in revenue from tourism. Ski resorts and organizers of winter festivals are presently doing their utmost to attract visitors from at home and abroad.

An event was even organized in central Seoul to give people a taste of what to expect if they attend the Hwacheon Ice Fishing Festival. The festival, which is held for about two weeks from January 10, sees about one million tourists flock to the county every winter.

The Korean government has declared 2010-2012 as “Visit Korea Years”. It is hoping to attract 10 million foreign tourists a year and earn about $10 billion from tourism.