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.
The National's picks
4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah
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6.20pm: West Acre
7pm: Flood Zone
7.40pm: Straight No Chaser
8.15pm: Romantic Warrior
8.50pm: Calandogan
9.30pm: Forever Young
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
The five pillars of Islam
1. Fasting
2. Prayer
3. Hajj
4. Shahada
5. Zakat
The five pillars of Islam
KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
The specs: 2018 Genesis G70
Price, base / as tested: Dh155,000 / Dh205,000
Engine: 3.3-litre, turbocharged V6
Gearbox: Eight-speed automatic
Power: 370hp @ 6,000rpm
Torque: 510Nm @ 1,300rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 10.6L / 100km
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The specs: 2018 BMW R nineT Scrambler
Price, base / as tested Dh57,000
Engine 1,170cc air/oil-cooled flat twin four-stroke engine
Transmission Six-speed gearbox
Power 110hp) @ 7,750rpm
Torque 116Nm @ 6,000rpm
Fuel economy, combined 5.3L / 100km
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Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
Zayed Sustainability Prize
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
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Indoor cricket World Cup:
Insportz, Dubai, September 16-23
UAE fixtures:
Men
Saturday, September 16 – 1.45pm, v New Zealand
Sunday, September 17 – 10.30am, v Australia; 3.45pm, v South Africa
Monday, September 18 – 2pm, v England; 7.15pm, v India
Tuesday, September 19 – 12.15pm, v Singapore; 5.30pm, v Sri Lanka
Thursday, September 21 – 2pm v Malaysia
Friday, September 22 – 3.30pm, semi-final
Saturday, September 23 – 3pm, grand final
Women
Saturday, September 16 – 5.15pm, v Australia
Sunday, September 17 – 2pm, v South Africa; 7.15pm, v New Zealand
Monday, September 18 – 5.30pm, v England
Tuesday, September 19 – 10.30am, v New Zealand; 3.45pm, v South Africa
Thursday, September 21 – 12.15pm, v Australia
Friday, September 22 – 1.30pm, semi-final
Saturday, September 23 – 1pm, grand final
The specs
Engine: four-litre V6 and 3.5-litre V6 twin-turbo
Transmission: six-speed and 10-speed
Power: 271 and 409 horsepower
Torque: 385 and 650Nm
Price: from Dh229,900 to Dh355,000
More on Quran memorisation:
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Race results:
1. Thani Al Qemzi (UAE) Team Abu Dhabi: 46.44 min
2. Peter Morin (FRA) CTIC F1 Shenzhen China Team: 0.91sec
3. Sami Selio (FIN) Mad-Croc Baba Racing Team: 31.43sec
