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176. Make Your Travel Plans at Korea Travel Expo
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Author : U.E.C.
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 The Ministry of Culture & Tourism, Korea Tourism Organization, and KBS Korea Broadcasting System are co-hosting the Korea Travel Expo 2007 under the management of COEX this coming February 8 (Thursday) to 11 (Sunday) at Samseong-dong COEX Atlantic Hall on the third floor.
Korea Travel Expo is into its fourth year. This year¡¯s theme is ¡®Experience & Learn – Every Corner of Korea!¡¯ The expo will provide tourist information about all parts of Korea including local specialties and a variety of programs offering unique opportunities to experience.
Don¡¯t miss the chance to win free gifts by participating in all kinds of events found on Korea Travel Expo 2007 homepage and directly at the expo. Also, be sure to collect all the stamps marked in the Korea Travel Expo 2007 leaflet to receive a free ¡®Travel Diary¡¯.
Admissions fee to enter the expo costs £Ü2,000, but if you become a member on the Korea Travel Expo 2007 homepage (www.naenara.or.kr), you can print out a free online invitation.
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Monday, 29 January 2007, at 12:08 pm
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175. 2007 Dream Program to Commence on Feb. 4
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Author : U.E.C.
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 The ¡®2007 Dream Program¡¯ developed for the purpose of expanding Gangwon-do winter sports is being held all over Yongpyong Resort this coming February 4 to 16.
The 143 teenage participants in this cycle of the Dream Program for winter sports training and cultural exchanges are from 33 countries in Asia, Africa, Central and South America and Europe.
The ice sports events such as speed skating and short track will be held at the indoor ice rink in Gangneung. The ski sports events including alpine skiing and snowboarding will be held at Yongpyong Resort. All training lessons are to be lead by coaches affiliated with the Korea Ski Association and Korea Skating Union.
Weekend programs will include cultural tours to Seoul¡¯s Gyeongbokgung Palace, Korea Tourism Organization, Gangneung¡¯s Seongyojang, Jeongdongjin Beach, etc. The evening programs will provide opportunities for the participants to learn about ceramic arts, Taekwondo, and other traditional cultures to encourage enriching cultural exchanges.
The first cycle of the Dream Program was implemented in 2004. This program was proposed by Pyeongchang to the IOC during the 2010 Olympic campaign to not only develop and nurture young talented athlete in winter sports, but also to provide them the opportunities to experience winter sports. The young participants are invited from all over the world.
¡æ For more information on '2007 Dream Program', click here!
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Monday, 29 January 2007, at 12:05 pm
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174. Information for Arrivals
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Author : U.E.C.
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Preparing Documents
Please fill out declarations handed out during your flight by the flight attendants in order to expedite arrival procedures.
1. Arrival Card – Foreign citizens need only to fill out an arrival card for passport control in Korea
2. Customs Declaration Form – For families, only one customs declaration form needs to be filled out.
3. Quarantine Questionnaire – Passengers and crew who have been to countries infected by cholera, yellow fever or pests, they must fill this out.
¡Ü Arrival Card
1. Fill out the entry spaces in the bold lines on the arrival card in English.
2. Accompanying minors must also fill out arrival cards.
¡Ü Customs Declaration Form
1. All arriving passengers from abroad must prepare and submit a customs declaration form.
2.Customs Declaration forms may be filled out in the arrival area, but in order to expedite the process, please fill it out before landing.
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Wednesday, 24 January 2007, at 10:37 am
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173. Outdoor Rinks Create Fun Winter Spots in Seoul
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Author : U.E.C.
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During the chilly winter, it is tempting to stay indoors, but you should venture out to at least one of the ice skating rinks in Seoul where you can make wonderful memories with your family or loved one.
Seoul City Plaza
Parisians can skate in front of their City Hall during winter, and now Seoulites and visitors to the Korean capital can do the same at Seoul Plaza in front of Seoul City Hall. Hundreds of people glide gracefully -- or babystep gingerly -- on the ice at this venue. Pro or beginner, none seem to mind the cold weather and strong winds because it is a unique experience to skate outdoors surrounded by skyscrapers. Introduced in winter 2004, the rink has become a popular spot, attracting some 3,000 people daily. The only thing better than the view is the price -- 1,000 won (roughly $1) gets you a pair of skates, safety equipment and two hours of rink access. Hours are 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. (till Feb. 19). For more information, call (02) 2282-2164 (Korean) 1330 (foreign languages).
If looking for romance more than fun and savings, consider the outdoor rinks at local hotels.
Grand Hyatt Hotel
 Offering a superb view of the Han River and Gangnam, the Grand Hyatt on Namsan is a very romantic setting for a rink. Many local TV dramas and commercials have been filmed because of the ambience at night. Couples receive a 50 percent discount on Mondays, and they can rent skates for free from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Tuesdays. On Fridays, you can rent the whole ice rink from 10 p.m. to 11 p.m. to propose marriage in solitude or have a private party with friends.
The normal entrance fee is 18,000 won and a rental fee of a pair of skates is 12,000 won for two hours. Unitl mid February, it is opened from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Thursday and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday to Sunday. For more information, call (02) 799-8112 or visit www.grandhyattseoul.co.kr.
Sheraton Walkerhill Hotel
 The hotel opened an ice rink for the first time this year under the theme of Alice in Wonderland. The rink also caters to couples with 2,000 small lights and romantic music. Here as well, would-be fiances can rent the entire rink for one hour for a romantic proposal. The entrance fee is 20,000 won with 1,0000 won for skate rental. The hotel is near Gangbyeon Station on Subway Line 2. It opens 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. from Monday to Thursday and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. from Friday to Sunday. For more information, call (02) 455-5000 or visit www.walkerhill.com.
¡æ For more information, click here!
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Article courtesy of Korea.net
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Monday, 22 January 2007, at 11:57 am
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172. Studying in Korea
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Author : U.E.C.
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Studying in Korea from A to Z
Korea continues to attract international students who are inspired by the beauty and traditions of Korea or want to deepen their knowledge about the country. Some come to Korea for a short time, just out of curiosity or to study Korean language; others enroll in a regular academic program for an undergraduate, graduate, or a Ph.D. degree. Numerous scholarship programs are available in Korea to help international students finance with their studies. The following is some useful information on the scholarship programs available in Korea.
What Makes Studying in Korea So Attractive
Compared to English-speaking countries like the U.S., Canada, or Great Britain, Korea is not only more affordable in terms of tuition and living expenses, but also offers numerous scholarship programs to help international students meet their financial needs. More recently, in particular, the Korean government has offered financial support to international students to cover their tuition and board as well as employment assistance.
In Korea, there are about 400 national and private universities whose faculty members have doctorate degrees and have done research in Korea or abroad. Also, in line with the nation¡¯s advanced technology in auto manufacturing, shipbuilding, chemical industry, engineering, and IT, many universities offer state-of-the-art research facilities in these areas of study. Tuitions may vary according to universities or majors, but they average about $4,000 to $8,000 a year. National universities are 30% to 50% less expensive than private institutions, but there are more private than public universities. Apart from the tuition, there isn¡¯t much difference between public and private universities, and there are a number of distinguished, private universities with a long history and tradition.
Admission Procedures
Since academic programs and the school year start in March in Korea, students must check the academic starting date the previous year and make necessary arrangements a year prior to the start of the academic year. Information can be obtained through Korea Study Fair or from the websites of the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (www.studyinkorea.go.kr) or individual universities. After deciding which university to attend, students must submit their application package before being admitted by the school. Then, after admission, they can visit the Korean Embassy or a Korean consulate for a visa. For more information on visa requirements, visit the website of the Korea Immigration Bureau (www.immigration.go.kr).
* Visa for Regular Educational Programs (D-2)
This visa is issued to those who apply for a regular or a special research program in a junior college, college, university, graduate school or research institute. Applicants must submit to the Korean Embassy or to the General Consulate a valid passport, a visa application form, an admission letter from the school, the most recent school graduation or enrollment certificate, verification of account balance (Deposit of $10,000 USD or more), and a family registry (for Chinese only, the whole family registry must be submitted).
* Visa for General Training (D-4)
This visa is issued to those who study Korean in a language institute at a university, who study in a qualified educational institute, or get technical or educational training at a national or public research or training institute. Applicants must submit to the Korean Embassy or General Consulate a valid passport, a visa application form, a verification of school admission or enrollment, a verification of account balance ($3,000 USD or more in transference or foreign currency exchange), and an identification verification.
International Students¡¯ Health Insurance Coverage
International students must purchase health insurance at the National Health Insurance Corporation in person in order to be eligible for medical benefits in Korea. The insurance costs 45,000 won a month, which begins on the date printed on his/her alien registration certificate. The insurance premium will be charged from the first date on the certificate regardless of when a student signs up for a health insurance program. However, the health insurance covers medical services at an affordable price, and all hospitals in Korea accept this health insurance provided by the National Health Insurance Corporation. Some scholarship programs also cover health insurance costs.
click here for more info
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Tuesday, 16 January 2007, at 11:44 am
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171. Seoul to Make Hallyu Map to Entice Tourists
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Author : U.E.C.
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Surrounded with hip-hop clubs, some Latin bars and live band clubs, Hongdae (the area around Hongik University) is a famous spot with young Koreans and foreigners, especially on weekends. This area is popular not only for those who love clubbing but also for the Korean drama ¡°Spring Waltz¡± which was shot on location there.
Some scenes of ¡°Winter Sonata,¡± Korea's mega hit TV drama starring Bae Yong-jun and Choi Ji-woo, were shot in Gahoe-dong near Jongno in Seoul.
In ¡°Scandal,¡± another hit movie both nationwide and overseas, that portrayed the life of corruptive yangban (aristocrats) during the Joseon Dynasty, Namsangol Hanok Maeul (a neighborhood of traditional houses in Seoul) was the location where Madame Joh (Lee Mi-Suk) and Joh-won (Bae Yong-jun) met and made a fatal bet over Lady Sue (Jeon Do-yeon).
According to the Korean Tourism Organization, the number of overseas tourists who visited Korea on so-called Hallyu tours exceeded 1 million in 2005, spending 1.4 trillion won in total. These tourists visit places where Korean movies or dramas were shot and sometimes meet with popular Korean entertainers, such as Bae Yong-jun or Song Seung-heon.
Considering the growing popularity of Korean movies and dramas overseas, the Seoul Metropolitan Government (SMG) is planning to promote famous spots that appeared in Korean dramas and movies, as a part of its strategic Hallyu tourism marketing.
City officials are planning a ¡°Seoul Hallyu Map¡± for release this summer. Besides the location of shoots, the map will also indicate shops where Korean TV and movie stars might be spotted and the schools they attended.
The city is supporting the renovation of a special hall in Hongdae that will commemorate "Spring Waltz," by Yoon Suk Ho, who also directed ¡°Winter Sonata¡± ¡°Autumn Story¡± and ¡°Summer Scent" for the Korean Broadcasting System. It hopes the
images in the hall will help visitors recall the scenes from the drama and is considering building other such halls to develop Hallyu tourism packages to attract more overseas tourists.
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Article courtesy of Korea.net
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Tuesday, 16 January 2007, at 11:36 am
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170. A Sudden Increase of One-Stop Ski & Casino Resorts
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Author : U.E.C.
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Since the opening of High1 Ski Resort, an increasing number of people are heading to Kangwon Land famous for its casino.
One-stop ski and casino tour package sales are being promoted abroad to attract more foreign tourists, especially to Southeast Asian countries.
Kangwon Land opened its ski resort last year on December 8, and the number of foreign tourists in that single month exceeded 3,000. Visitors are mainly from Southeast Asia, especially from Hong Kong and Taiwan where theme tour packages are popular. They come mainly on a 2-nights-3-days package, enjoying a day of skiing and a night at the casino.
In 2005, over 28,000 foreign tourists visited Kangwon Land, which was the highest number of visitors recorded since its opening. Since then, December 2006 alone recorded 43% of the 2005 annual record.
If this rate continues, Kangwon Land can expect to see 12,000 more foreign tourists seeking to enjoy the ski slopes and the casino before the closing of the ski season in March.
¡æ Gangwon-do Resorts: Best Recommended Winter Spots
¡æ Kangwon Land High 1
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Tuesday, 16 January 2007, at 11:25 am
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169. Sejong Center offering Quality Art Performances for $1
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Author : U.E.C.
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 The Sejong Center announced early this week that it would provide a special performance once a month for 1,000 won as a way to widen people's chances to enjoy more culture programs.
The "happy program with 1,000 won" will allow people to enjoy the musical performances of nine art groups and famous musicians for about a dollar. The center plans to donate the proceeds to charity.
Lee Ha-nee, 22, the Korean classical music student and winner of the 2006 Miss Korea pageant will host the first performance slated for January 15. That show will promote Korean traditional music and sounds and will feature the Seoul Metropolitan Traditional Music Orchestra; Hwang Byung-gi, a noted gayageum player; hip hop singer MRJ; and others who fuse old and new music.
Performances planned for the following months include a "well-being" concert with popera singers, the Seoul Metropolitan Chorus, a Family Concert with the Seoul Metropolitan Junior Chorus, B-boys and more. The center is planning a musical gala summer concert and rock, jazz and Korean traditional percussion for the fall. In winter, a modern jazz band and modern ballet troupe will heat up the stage.
For reservations go to www.sejongpac.or.kr or call 02-399-1114~6 (Korean only).
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Article courtesy of Korea.net
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Tuesday, 9 January 2007, at 10:56 am
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168. Winter Fun: Recommended Tourists Attractions for Jan.
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Author : U.E.C.
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Now is the time to enjoy pristine white snow across the peninsula. Here are some of the best places to appreciate nature's silvery beauty in January as recommended by the Korea Tourism Organization.
Mt. Hallasan - Snowscape of a Heavenly Mountain
 Location: Jeju-do Island
Hallasan which stands at the center of Jeju-do is the highest mountain in South Korea rising up to 1,950 m. At the top of the mountain is the crater lake "Baekrokkdam" (Hundred Deer Lake). Over 1,800 kinds of alpine plants grow in various parts of Hallasan depending on the altitude. Azaleas are in full bloom in spring, maple trees flash crimson in the fall and a snowcap forms under a sea of clouds in the winter.
There is something unique about snowflakes on Hallasan, molded and cut by the harsh wind of the sea. With snow piling up on frosted trees, the mixture of old and new snowflakes gives a gleam like no other under the bright rays of the sun.
White Invitation from Baekyangsa Temple
 Location: No. 26, Yaksu-ri, Bukha-myeon, Jangseong-gun, Jeollanam-do
Baekyangsa is a temple located at an advantageous spot, easy to reach from Seoul or Gwangju. It is already well known for its scenic "snowflake tunnel" drive to the temple. The sight of refreshingly clean blue water in the valley is a drastic contrast to the white snow. The tall cedars and cypress in the Mt. Chuknyeongsan Recreation Forest offer a great place to unwind from the stress of daily life, and the nearby Guemgok Cinema Village is a favorite
location for movies with traditional houses from the 50s and 60s along with 30 prehistoric dolmen.
Snowflakes and Winter Romance in Gangwon Province
 Location: Jindong-ri, Girin-myeon, Inje-gun, Gangwon-do
Every morning you can come face to face with mother nature's own portrait of winter life in Jindong-ri, a small, peaceful and quiet village in the 20-km-long Jindong Valley which is filled with rich and rare plants and animals.
Sujongsa Temple Offers a Cup of Green Tea to Let Out the Steam
 Location: Songchon-ri, Joan-myeon, Namyangju-si, Gyeonggi-do
If seeking a place to enjoy a brief snow-filled weekend, how about Sujongsa Temple in Namyangju Sujongsa on Ungilsan Mountain was built by order of King Sejo (1417-1468 ). Many well-known figures from the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), including the scientist/writer Jeong Yak-yong (pen name: Dasan), flocked to this region for green tea made from the nation's best tasting water.The current temple is keeping up the tradition by serving free cups of tea from a small teahouse, complete with a spectacular view of the mountain.
For inquires, foreigners can dial 1330 from a landline or (02) 1330 from a cell phone for information about these and other tourist destinations in English, Chinese and Japanese 24 hours a day, free of charge.
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Article courtesy of Korea.net
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Thursday, 4 January 2007, at 11:26 am
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167. New Year¡¯s Events at Korean Folk Village
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Author : U.E.C.
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In commemoration of the year of the golden pig, the Korean Folk Village will hold a variety of New Year¡¯s events for family visitors from December 30 to January 1. 2007 for 2 days.
¡°Performance-Wishes Come True Gut (a shaman ritual)¡± will be performed in a traditional ceremonial way and will consist of 12 different episodes. Also visitors can pray to the golden pig, which can make your wishes come true.
In addition, visitors can also participate in the Jisinbapgi Ritual for the Land God and pray for happiness and good health. There is also the Sehwa Takbon (engraved petroglyphs) event, which is believed to rid you of your misfortunes in the New Year and ¡°New Year¡¯s Blessing Tteok Madang¡± ceremony, which visitors can make Korea¡¯s traditional rice cakes and taste it afterwards.
For more information, please visit here or call +82-31-288-0000.
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Thursday, 28 December 2006, at 11:37 am
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