South Korea is ramping up its bid to attract more tourists by making it easier for people to visit.
The country is getting ready to expand visa benefits for tour groups as well as introduce "K-culture" and digit nomad visas as it aims to attract 20 million tourists and generate $24.5 billion.
According to local media, the government is looking to expand electronic visa fee waivers for tour groups making it easier for travellers.
A similar move was temporarily launched for Chinese tour groups between September and this month. The expansion will include tourists from Vietnam, Indonesia and the Philippines. The application period will be extended until next year.
The government will also introduce a tentatively named K-culture training visa and a digital nomad visa next year to attract travellers who are keen to explore South Korean culture.
The K-culture training visa targets those who are interested in South Korean content and are keen to learn about the country’s entertainment industry.
The digital nomad visa will allow residence in South Korea for up to two years while the holder maintains employment in their original country. The aim is to promote a workcation culture, which refers to a system of combining remote work with tourism.
South Korea welcomed more than 17 million foreign travellers before the pandemic but saw a sharp decline to 970,000, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo told The Korea Times.
He added: "Fortunately, the tourism industry is recovering and expects to receive 10 million visitors by year-end. The government will fully commit to doing its utmost to enable the industry to reach an all-time high."
What to see and do in South Korea
South Korea has something for everyone including an intriguing history, fantastic food, a wonderful culture and first-rate tourist attractions. Its grand palaces, such as Seoul’s Changdeokgung Palace built by the Joseon Dynasty, are popular with visitors, who also frequently explore ancient history in Jeonju or soak up the culture in the country’s Hanok villages.
Many tourists also make a beeline for the beach in Busan, South Korea’s second-largest city, or climb to the top of N Seoul Tower, the capital’s landmark observation tower. History lovers also regularly visit no man's land to see part of a military border between South Korea and North Korea.
'Worse than a prison sentence'
Marie Byrne, a counsellor who volunteers at the UAE government's mental health crisis helpline, said the ordeal the crew had been through would take time to overcome.
“It was worse than a prison sentence, where at least someone can deal with a set amount of time incarcerated," she said.
“They were living in perpetual mystery as to how their futures would pan out, and what that would be.
“Because of coronavirus, the world is very different now to the one they left, that will also have an impact.
“It will not fully register until they are on dry land. Some have not seen their young children grow up while others will have to rebuild relationships.
“It will be a challenge mentally, and to find other work to support their families as they have been out of circulation for so long. Hopefully they will get the care they need when they get home.”
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The biog
Name: Abeer Al Shahi
Emirate: Sharjah – Khor Fakkan
Education: Master’s degree in special education, preparing for a PhD in philosophy.
Favourite activities: Bungee jumping
Favourite quote: “My people and I will not settle for anything less than first place” – Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid.
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1. Kylian Mbappe - to Real Madrid in 2017/18 - €180 million (Dh770.4m - if a deal goes through)
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3. Gareth Bale - to Real Madrid in 2013/14 - €101m
4. Cristiano Ronaldo - to Real Madrid in 2009/10 - €94m
5. Gonzalo Higuain - to Juventus in 2016/17 - €90m
6. Neymar - to Barcelona in 2013/14 - €88.2m
7. Romelu Lukaku - to Manchester United in 2017/18 - €84.7m
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Lexus LX700h specs
Engine: 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 plus supplementary electric motor
Power: 464hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 790Nm from 2,000-3,600rpm
Transmission: 10-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 11.7L/100km
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Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12
Power: 819hp
Torque: 678Nm at 7,250rpm
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Available: Now
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“Join in with a group like Cycle Safe Dubai or TrainYAS, where you’ll meet like-minded people and always have support on hand.”
Stewart Howison, co-founder of Cycle Safe Dubai and owner of Revolution Cycles
“When you sweat a lot, you lose a lot of salt and other electrolytes from your body. If your electrolytes drop enough, you will be at risk of cramping. To prevent salt deficiency, simply add an electrolyte mix to your water.”
Cornelia Gloor, head of RAK Hospital’s Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy Centre
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Company profile
Date started: 2015
Founder: John Tsioris and Ioanna Angelidaki
Based: Dubai
Sector: Online grocery delivery
Staff: 200
Funding: Undisclosed, but investors include the Jabbar Internet Group and Venture Friends
Ahmed Raza
UAE cricket captain
Age: 31
Born: Sharjah
Role: Left-arm spinner
One-day internationals: 31 matches, 35 wickets, average 31.4, economy rate 3.95
T20 internationals: 41 matches, 29 wickets, average 30.3, economy rate 6.28
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Stars: Ryan Reynolds, Adria Arjona, Dave Franco
2.5 / 5 stars
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Power: 136hp @ 1,600rpm
Torque: 360Nm @ 1,600 rpm
Transmission: Five-speed manual
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Favourite hobby: taking his rescue dog, Sally, for long walks.
Favourite book: anything by Stephen King, although he said the films rarely match the quality of the books
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Price, base / as tested Dh460,000
Engine 8.4L V10
Transmission Six-speed manual
Power 645hp @ 6,200rpm
Torque 813Nm @ 5,000rpm
Fuel economy, combined 16.8L / 100km
Ticket prices
- Golden circle - Dh995
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- Lower Bowl Platinum - Dh95
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The lowdown
Rating: 4/5
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Infobox
Western Region Asia Cup Qualifier, Al Amerat, Oman
The two finalists advance to the next stage of qualifying, in Malaysia in August
Results
UAE beat Iran by 10 wickets
Kuwait beat Saudi Arabia by eight wickets
Oman beat Bahrain by nine wickets
Qatar beat Maldives by 106 runs
Monday fixtures
UAE v Kuwait, Iran v Saudi Arabia, Oman v Qatar, Maldives v Bahrain
