The Korea Herald

Under the Southern Cross: Following the magic of the Marquesas

Dec 27, 2013

HIVA OA, Marquesas Islands ― “If it’s Tuesday, it must be Ua Pou,” said Keith, stretched out on the adjacent mattress. One of a half-dozen passengers still asleep on the upper deck of the Aranui 3, he pushed up on his elbows to watch the dawn skitter over the waves.“It rained last night, just enough to cool us off,” he said, yawning. “Did you get wet?”I didn’t remember. But I was a lot cooler than I’d been the day before.That night had been pretty warm. Stuffy in the lounge. Stifling even, if yo
Top 5 spots to get a taste of America while abroad

Dec 27, 2013

Even the most seasoned traveler longs for a taste of home. For those Americans who get homesick while traveling abroad, the members and editors of VirtualTourist.com (www.virtualtourist.com) put together a list of their Top 5 Spots to Get a Taste of America While Abroad.1. The Rug Cafe ― BeijingBeijing is known for its tradition and history, but not necessarily its modern cuisine. On a recent trip, one VirtualTourist member was pleased to find The Rug Cafe, a restaurant in the Chaoyang District
Vegas casinos draw tourists with holiday exhibits

Dec 27, 2013

LAS VEGAS (AP) ― Las Vegas has mostly shelved its attempt to rebrand itself as a family-friendly wonderland. But there’s one exception: the dreaded holiday season, when visitor numbers crater and room vacancies soar.In an attempt to lure tourists, Las Vegas casinos are staging increasingly elaborate holiday events.The Bellagio has again transformed its conservatory into a faux winter wonderland featuring a 12.8-meter-tall Christmas tree, a life-sized candy house, a walk-through snow globe and to
KTO suggests best sunrise spots in Korea

Dec 27, 2013

The Korea Tourism Organization has released a list of the best sunrise spots in each province in Korea. In Seoul, Seonyudo Park offers the great view of the sun rising amid the high-rise buildings. The park located in Yeongdeungpo is a small island on the Hangang River, well-connected to the city’s major public transportation. Surrounding the island are migratory birds staying there for the winter. In Daegu, Apsan Mountain is well-known as a sunrise spot. The mountain located in southern Daegu i
Hyatt Regency Incheon wins Best Airport Hotel

Dec 27, 2013

Hyatt Regency Incheon has won the Best Airport Hotel award by the U.S. travel magazine Global Traveler for two consecutive years. The hotel has won the award in the Global Traveler Tested Awards that recognize leading travel services such as airports, hotels and airlines based on more than 22,000 votes made by business and luxury travelers. “It is a great honor to be awarded for two years in a row by this renowned world travel magazine,” said Paul Wright, general manager of Hyatt Regency Incheon
Korea’s tourism growth may slow next year

Dec 26, 2013

Korea has seen double-digit growth in tourism over the last couple of years, with record annual growth of 11.3 percent last year, and is on track to welcome over 12 million visitors this year. But the strong Korean currency and changes in the political dynamics in Northeast Asia may put a stop to the fast growth next year, experts suggest. Korea earned 1.4 billion won ($1.3 million) from tourism in the January to October period, a 25 percent increase form the same period last year.According to t
[Best Brand] Oakwood Premier Coex Center upgrades serviced residence

Dec 26, 2013

Serviced Residence, World Wide/ Oakwood Premier Coex Center
[Best Brand] Imperial Palace strives for supreme services for working professionals

Dec 26, 2013

Hotle, Business/ Imperial Palace Seoul
Bethlehem eyes tourist boom after dark decade

Dec 23, 2013

BETHLEHEM, Palestinian Territories (AFP) ― After a decade of unrest, Bethlehem has seen a surge in visits to Christ’s traditional birthplace, raising hopes of a tourism bonanza in the West Bank town despite Israel’s separation barrier.The Palestinian territories’ top tourist destination is a victim of the barrier which cuts off the town from nearby Jerusalem, just 10 kilometers away. Israel began work on its sprawling barrier ― dubbed the “apartheid wall” by Palestinians ― in 2002 at the height
2014 travel: Sochi, Brazil, Berlin, Sarajevo

Dec 20, 2013

NEW YORK (AP) ― The Olympics, the World Cup and commemorations of World War I, D-Day and the fall of the Berlin Wall are some of the events that will spotlight destinations like Sochi, Brazil, Sarajevo, Normandy and Berlin in 2014.Elsewhere abroad, a potentially game-changing high-speed rail service has just launched linking Paris and Barcelona. Some travelers may now prefer the train over a plane, with the train ride cut in half to just over six hours between the two cities.Back in the U.S., St
Winter festivals to light up holiday season

Dec 20, 2013

For travelers looking to tough it out in the frigid winter temperatures, there are a number of worthwhile winter festivals where visitors can experience a wide range of snow and winter-fun activities whether it be ice-fishing, sledding or even ice soccer. The Pyeongchang Trout Festival is one of the most popular winter festivals, and is held annually in Pyeongchang, Gangwon Province ― known for having one of the coldest, snowiest winters in Korea. Because of the region’s frigid climate and clear
The Korea Grand Sale kicks off Jan. 3 through Feb. 16

Dec 20, 2013

The Korea Grand Sale runs from Jan. 3 until Feb. 16 throughout Korea. The annual sales event offers discounts on shopping and special offers at hotels and department stores. This year’s event includes the participation of 118 duty free shops, shopping malls, outlets, large supermarkets and theaters, along with 17 traditional markets. A total of 27,291 stores will provide discounts of up to 50 percent. During the sales period, 23 hotels in Korea will offer an extra one-night stay for foreign tour
Hello Kitty museum opens in Jeju

Dec 20, 2013

A museum dedicated to Hello Kitty has opened on Jejudo Island. The museum featuring “everything about Hello Kitty” presents various products and a 3-D animated film, which will get its world premiere at the museum. “The museum focused on providing a fun program that visitors of all generations can enjoy. It offers a new experience as many of the programs will involve physical activities,” said Kim Jong-seok, founder of the museum. The museum features some of the most diverse products in the giga
Culinary-themed hotel opens in Tampa

Dec 20, 2013

TAMPA, Florida (AP) ― In the past, the Tampa Bay region hasn’t been high on a foodie’s travel bucket list. Sure, there are some tasty Cuban sandwiches in Tampa and fresh grouper in restaurants along the Gulf of Mexico. But cutting-edge culinary trends haven’t surfaced here ― until now. The Epicurean Hotel, a $35 million, 137-room hotel, opened on Tuesday. The entire concept revolves around food: There’s an 80-seat restaurant, patisserie, culinary theater, wine store, rooftop bar and cooking clas
Nirvana, Kiss join Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Dec 18, 2013

WASHINGTON (AFP) ― Nirvana swept into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in its first year of eligibility, the musical museum said, welcoming it and other groups like glam outfit Kiss.Peter Gabriel, Hall and Oates, Cat Stevens and Linda Ronstadt join Nirvana and Kiss ― known for Gene Simmons’ famously wagging tongue ― among the new members announced Monday. They will be inducted next year.The Cleveland, Ohio institution said Brian Epstein, manager of the Beatles from 1962 until his death in 1967, wi