AQABA, Jordan ― Jordan is well known for its archeological city, Petra, and the big salt lake, the Dead Sea, in the western part of the Middle East.Officials from the tourism board in the country, however, noted that a large proportion of Jordanians say they love Aqaba, the only port city of Jordan, more than Petra or the Dead Sea.The name of Aqaba, initially, reminded this reporter of Aruba on the Caribbean Sea: the latter was familiar as the first word in the lyrics of the theme song, “Kokomo,

Although Dongdaemun and Namdaemun tend to dominate many lists of “must-see markets” in Seoul, small-scale markets that are equally full of history and character are scattered across the city. This is the fifth installment of a series introducing traditional local markets. ― Ed.If strolling up and down the aisle mazes of giant conglomerate shopping malls with marked-up prices and pushing around shopping carts is not your cup of tea, it’s safe to assume that you will be pleased with the Gyeongdong

Experience German tradition, customsGermany is known for its strong manufacturing industry consisting of high-tech small and medium enterprises that drive its economic growth. It holds also one of the biggest consumer electronics fairs called IFA in Berlin.But the German National Tourist Board seeks to make other parts of its country well-known beyond technology by launching a tourism campaign, enabling Koreans to experience its tradition and customs.Germany will offer tourism programs enabling

This is the fourth and last installment of a series introducing Korea’s springtime tourist destinations. ― Ed.Korea is once again celebrating spring, which provides an opportunity of warm weather amid the country’s tempestuous seasonal fluctuations. For those who want to revel in the outdoors this season, away from the crowds that occupy outing hotspots, The Korea Herald suggests three lesser-known but picturesque locations in Seoul.The Hangdong Railroad, located in Guro-gu, now serves mainly as

This is the third installment of a four-part series introducing Korea’s springtime tourist destinations. ― Ed.CHANGWON, South Gyeongsang Province ― Changwon, a southern industrial port city, heralds the arrival of spring on the Korean Peninsula with cherry blossoms. The city’s Jinhae district draws huge crowds of tourists and locals with the famed cherry blossom festival Gunhangje every April. But Changwon is not all about cherry blossoms. A true spring trip comes after the blossoms fall. This i

Throwback ’70s theme in BoseongKorail will offer a tourism program in front of Deukryang Train Station in Boseong County, South Jeolla Province, where both the old and the young can play games and visit stores of the ’70s. Boseong is renowned for green teas.The rail operator has remodeled the station, and will open ’70s coffee and barber shops to take visitors back in time and reminisce about the good old days.Korail’s Cosplay Festival, which will be held from May 2-31, will also allow tourists

This is the second installment of a four-part series introducing Korea’s springtime tourist destinations. ― Ed.TONGYEONG, South Gyeongsang Province -― The island-cluster port city of Tongyeong is an all-too forgotten weekend coastal destination for those looking to revel in the refreshing sea air while avoiding crowds of beach dwellers and out-of-towners. Situated on the southern reaches of South Gyeongsang Province, Tongyeong is only about 1 1/2 hours’ drive from Busan. Best known as the locati

This is the first installment of a four-part series introducing Korea’s springtime tourist destinations. ― Ed.With the cool breeze of winter behind us and the start of Korea’s prime spring season, many people want to break free from their daily lives and visit hot tourist spots.But for quick weekend getaways, a long line of cherry blossoms on sidewalks aren’t the only things to see when the young finish their rigorous school exams and older citizens file their last business documents.The Korea T

Xishuangbanna emerges as tropical getaway

Korea to launch ‘Spring Tourism Week’ in MayThe Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism will launch its second Tourism Week program for the spring season nationwide next month.The program, in partnership with some 3,000 tourism companies and operators, will run in 17 regions from May 1-14.Companies such as resorts and hotels participating in the state-led tourism program will offer a variety of programs with discounts at tourist attractions, in accordance with the regions’ culture and landscape.

How Seoul Jungang Market came to boast an unlikely mix of artist residencies and traditional market fare

Seoul city tour bus goes classicTour Seoul on the classic trolleybus: The trolleybus, long beloved in global cities like New York, San Francisco, Chicago and Singapore, became available in Seoul starting Thursday. The buses are designed to look like classic vintage trolleybuses and aim to provide a fun way to tour Seoul. Encompassing key tourist sites, the “Panorama Course” will depart from Gwanghwamun and run through Cheonggye Plaza, Myeong-dong, Mount Namsan, the 63 Building, Hongdae, Sinchon

Lotte Hotel Moscow awarded ‘Best City Hotel in Russia’ Lotte Hotel Moscow has been awarded for “Best City Hotel in Russia” for three consecutive years by the luxury travel magazine Conde Nast Traveler. Opened in 2011, the hotel is the first overseas chain of the Korean hotel group Lotte Hotel. Located near the Red Square, Kremlin Palace and Bolshoi Theater, it has emerged as a luxury spot in Moscow. “We have committed to providing service of the highest standards to our guests. This award is exc

Although Dongdaemun and Namdaemun tend to dominate many lists of “must-see markets” in Seoul, small-scale markets that are equally full of history and character are scattered across the city. This is the third installment of a series introducing traditional local markets. ― Ed.Hordes of people trying to elbow their way through crowds and ceaseless rows of assertive, dynamic vendors selling anything from pig’s feet to shaving cream to Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups: If you’re looking to get a slice o

South Korea may soon join the ranks of the world’s top tourism destinations such as Thailand, if it continues to achieve double-digit growth in the number of inbound travelers over the next five years, said the Asia-Pacific chief operating officer of French hotel operator Accor. The country attracted some 14 million foreign visitors in 2014 and has seen an average 12 percent growth in foreign arrivals for the past three years.“That’s heavy growth,” said Patrick Basset, who oversees Accor’s busin