Jeju Island, join the buzz
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Spring is an ideal time to visit Chejudao with cherry blossoms and cole flowers blooming across the island. To encourage Chinese tourists to seize the season, Buzz Korea, supported by the Korea Tourism Organization, is handing out Korea pass cards, a kind of cash coupon, worth ten thousand South-Korean Won to two thousand visitors who register as members.
This is the network's latest initiative after giving prizes including South Korean film DVDs and cosmetic products to registered members, known as “I Buzz.”
Established on November 8, 2010, Buzz Korea introduces Korean tourism in three languages-- English, Japanese, and Chinese— and now has a Chinese membership of 28,400 and an even larger number of unregistered followers. The organization is working to provide the most recent and detailed information on South Korea through various interactive activities, Zhu Linlin, Media Manager Korea at the Beijing office of the Korea Tourism Organization, explained
In early November, 2010, Buzz Korea invited a delegation of 15 reporters and well-read freelancers on a tour around South Korea. During the trip, they visited Seoul, Kyongju, Pusan, and Jeju. Members of the tour group updated their travelogues on their personal web spaces which attracted numerous readers and received over 6000 comments. Such activities are very effective in drawing tourists and informing potential tourists to South Korea of what exciting sights and activities are available.
Guo Ping, one of the trip members on the Buzz Korea trip, enjoyed the interactive nature of tourism in Korea.
During the trip, she participated in several programs to learn about local traditions. For example, Guo said tourists can make their own souvenirs at a DIY section at the airport in Seoul and there are regular parades in the airport with performers dressed in Korean costumes.
Another site she loved was Jeju; the island has been the filming location for many South Korean films and soap operas and enjoys a great popularity among young Chinese people. “All in House,” a newly emerged destination built on such a theme is a perfect place to indulge in the desperately romantic stories that viewers once watched with longing and admiration.
Of the country’s southern island, Guo Ping said she liked Jeju for its romantic scenery and authentic folk culture.
Located on the southern tip of Korean peninsula, Jeju is a volcanic island formed over five million years ago. It was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007 and has recently nominated as one of the “New 7 Wonders of Nature” in a worldwide campaign.
Lisa Yi, an American who visited Jeju island in the summer of 2008 as part of a package tour, was impressed by the natural beauty of the island.
"Jeju has very beautiful landscapes and scenery. I really liked taking in all that nature. The beaches are also very clean with soft sand," Yi said.
Jeju is an island without heavy industry. The local economy includes orange farming and seafood and thrives on the boom of tourism. Tourists can pick oranges themselves and observe the local ritual of sea fishing, said Li Haishun, director of the Beijing Office of the Jeju tourism institution.
Grand celebrations are held in Jeju every year to welcome spring, during which tourists can appreciate the pink and golden blossoms of cherry and cole flowers as well as feast on delicious food, Li added.
To keep its “I Buzz” group posted on the latest information on South Korea, Buzz Korea is constantly introducing new ways to interact with its followers. Besides giving out small prizes to participants in its many online contests, the network is now offering free round air tickets to winners of its online activities.
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