The Korea Herald

New travel standards remove unwanted trips from overseas itinerary

TravelJul 14, 2014

From Tuesday, tourists will be able to cross out unwanted stops, such as shopping centers, from itineraries when booking overseas trips with local travel agencies.This is part of the new standards on overseas tours unveiled by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism Monday. They are designed to prevent conflicts between tour operators and tourists.Under the rules, travel agencies will not require tourists to join unwanted shopping trips. They will also inform tourists beforehand if they shou
Beach getaways less than an hour from Incheon International Airport

TravelJul 13, 2014

Incheon International Airport is not just a gateway to Seoul and other major Asian cities, it is aslo a gateway to clean sandy beaches along Korea’s west coast. Less than an hour from the airport by bus, there are stretches of sandy beaches. Their surrounding areas make ideal vacation spots for those looking for quick and affordable trips away from the bustling cities of Seoul and Incheon.The Korea Railroad Corporation runs the Airport Express Train and the West Sea Beach Train, which provide da
[Weekender] Bookstores struggle for survival

CultureJul 11, 2014

Bookshops closing amid fierce price competition and declining demand
[Weekender] Korea in need of ‘reading movement’

CultureJul 11, 2014

After publishing over 3,000 books in the 39 years of his publishing career, Kim Eoun-ho, president of Hangilsa, one of Korea’s leading publishing houses, believes publishing a book is an act of asking how one should live. Kim attempted to answer this deep probing life question by publishing his own book, “The Forest of Books, Sound of Books.” The book is compiled from his handwritten journals from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31 in 2013, centering on his day-to-day life as a publisher, and stories about 800 d
[Weekender] Used books defy market woes

CultureJul 11, 2014

Korea’s bookstore industry is in the doldrums, as dismal sales continue to force many sellers out of business. But at least one bookstore is expanding, defying the broader market downturn. That is Aladdin Used Books ― a used-book franchise of online seller Aladdin. The company, which runs 19 shops, has chalked up an average 30 percent annual growth in sales, said company spokesperson Jo Sun-ah. Aladdin Used Books is not the typical small, “crammed to the ceiling” kind of shop. Rather, it is the
[Weekender] Mega stores seek to connect with readers

BooksJul 11, 2014

Kyobo focuses on personalized consulting, Yes 24 engages customers with offline events
[Weekender] Small, unique booksellers survive competition

BooksJul 11, 2014

Generally speaking, price and brand power matter most in the bookstore business. These factors have earned price-competitive chains the lion’s share of the market, while the small, independent bookstores continue to wither.In reality, the mom-and-pop shops are more embattled than what we see in rom-com films like “You’ve Got Mail” and “Notting Hill.”But not all of the neighborhood bookshops are losing out. Some are staving off the competition through differentiation strategies. Your Mind Your Mi
[Weekender] Independent bookshops cater to English readers

CultureJul 11, 2014

Whether looking for the timeless literary classics from Brontë or Fitzgerald, or prefering to check out Danielle Steel’s newest tale of high society crisis or the next mentally disturbing nightmare sequence of Stephen King, Seoul has a couple of well-established bookstores to accommodate all of your English book needs.While it may be no longer that difficult to track down physical copies of the latest English-language publications in the “Foreign Section” at any Seoul’s big chain book establishm
[Weekender] Calendar

CultureJul 11, 2014

Pop musicg.o.d. 15th Anniversary Reunion Concert: The newly reunited ’90s K-pop idol group g.o.d. will be embarking on a nationwide concert tour starting in July. After more than 12 years apart, the five original members of g.o.d. made their highly anticipated comeback in May with their newest single “The Lone Duckling.” The K-pop veterans are slated to hold two concerts, on July 12 and 13, at the Jamsil Sport Complex’s Auxiliary Stadium in Seoul, before moving on to Gwangju, Busan, Daegu and Da
Park service calls development plans a major threat to Grand Canyon

TravelJul 11, 2014

GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK, Arizona ― At the rim of the Grand Canyon, busloads of Chinese tourists jostled on a recent day with 20-something backpackers and an Amish family with rambunctious boys in suspenders and straw hats, all eager for a prime viewing spot.They gazed out on a dizzying sight of receding canyons and sheer rock walls, with the Colorado River cutting through the canyon floor more than a kilometer down.Generations of park managers have tried to preserve that natural vista, but of
French presidents’ holiday retreat open to public

TravelJul 11, 2014

PARIS (AP) ― It’s an old fortress on a tiny island, surrounded by pine trees and the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean Sea: The Fort de Bregancon has been the very private holiday retreat of French leaders for decades. And now it’s open to the public. Socialist President Francois Hollande has decided to break with tradition and to show it to the masses for the first time instead of vacationing there, as a symbol of a toned-down presidential lifestyle in tough economic times. The stylish vill
U.K. enhances airport security measures

TravelJul 11, 2014

LONDON (AP) ― Britain has authorized airport security staff to require any traveler to turn on electronic devices as a way to test for hidden explosives. France and Germany are implementing similar measures, but only for travel to and from the United States.American intelligence officials are worried about new al-Qaida efforts to produce a bomb. Powering up computers or phones allows screeners to make sure that explosives have not been substituted for batteries or essential components. Travelers
Banyan Tree invites guests to 20 select resorts

TravelJul 11, 2014

Celebrating its 20th anniversary, Banyan Tree Hotels and Resorts is offering an accommodation package that includes 40 nights at 20 select Banyan Tree and Angsana resorts in 11 countries. Highlights of the 40-night itinerary named “Around the World in 20 Ways” include a thrill-seeking flight over Mauritius and an organic farm experience in the Seychelles; a lesson in falconry in the UAE desert; and relaxing in hot springs in China. Guests who book the package can start or finish their journey at
Singapore Food Festival offers diverse culinary cultures

TravelJul 11, 2014

The annual Singapore Food Festival celebrates the cultural and gastronomic diversity of Singapore from July 11-20 throughout the city. Themed “A Walk Down Memory Lane,” this year’s edition celebrates the festival’s 20-year history, offering an array of dining experiences and cuisines. Highlights include Nyonya Mobile, where people can sample various traditional and modern interpretations of Peranakan cuisine; BBQ by the Beach, which invites people to dine on Sentosa’s Palawan Beach with a buffet
[Weekender] Around the hotel

CultureJul 11, 2014

Summer set menu at Park Hyatt SeoulPark Hyatt Seoul’s The Lounge is presenting a summer set menu until August. The set menu includes a bowl of bingsu, (ice flakes with various toppings), two smoked martinis and a snack dish. Guests can choose from four types of bingsus: Pat Bingsu, made with red beans and rice cake; Berry Bingsu, made with fresh berries, chocolate and nuts; Honey Bee-ingsu made with honeycomb, vanilla ice cream, apple puree and pecans; or Spicy Melon Bingsu, made with cantaloupe