An increasing number of Chinese people are choosing to travel to the Republic of Korea (ROK) during the Labor Day vacation, before the World Cup games begin.
Zhang Yingxin, a physical education teacher in Beijing Number 4 high school, has planned a ROK trip with his family. "My wife and son will not have time to go when the Game starts, so I will go by myself by then. But this trip is a family trip."
Chen Qingyu, an employee of China World Hotel, said that this year marks the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the ROK and he just wants to see what his friendly neighbor is like. He is also interested in buying Korean goods and plans a buying spree.
In a telephone interview, Ren Qiang, a northeast tourist, said:"I have heard that May is the most beautiful season in the ROK andI also believe now is the safest time to travel on this route."
Dun Jidong, an official with China Travel Service, expressed the belief that tourist exchanges between China and the ROK will not be marred by any incidents and said: "Although the cost to travel the ROK is a bit higher than to many other destinations, Chinese tourists still flock to book tickets to go."
It is estimated that over 5,000 Chinese tourists have been organized by 10 international travel agencies in Beijing to travel to the ROK during the Labor Day vacation.
The ROK was granted Approved Destination Status (ADS) in 1998. Since then there have been frequent tourist and cultural exchanges.
Last year, about 480,000 people visited the ROK, the fourth most popular travel destination with Chinese tourists. The ROK estimates this number will grow to 550,000 this year.
In order to assist travelers to the ROK, the Chinese government has simplified visa application procedures and pledged to provide qualified travel services by setting standards for guides.
The ROK also hopes to attract more Chinese travelers by producing more high quality goods as well as cheaper goods, expanding accommodation services and making Chinese guides available.
Since last year travel agencies and airline companies have increased their promotion of the ROK. Korean Air, one of the country's leading airline companies, is to introduce flights to Xiamen, Jinan, Yantai and Yanji in early May, adding four more to the present seven cities with direct flights to the ROK.
The Korean National Tourism Organization (KNTO) has set up a center for Chinese football fans. The center will provide information such as tickets and traveling. The KNTO also opened a 24-hour Chinese language hotline for tourists.
"The World Cup is just a beginning, not a one off. We aim to develop long-term cooperation with China. You can be sure many Korean people will want to travel to the 2008 Olympics in Beijing," said an official with KNTO. Enditem
(Xinhua News Agency April 30, 2002)
