SEOUL METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT
Family Site
Affiliated Office
Bureau and Corporate Funded Body
Adoption of differentiated tourism policies with incoming tourists divided into four groups: Chinese, Japanese, Southeast Asians, and Europeans/North Americans.
1. China is a tourism market that should be managed carefully. The implementation of the Tourism Act of China (10/1/2013) resulted in a change in the way Chinese tourists used tourist goods in Seoul.
2. According to a 2013 survey of the status of foreign tourists visiting Seoul, more than 70% of Japanese visitors said that they had visited South Korea more than once. Many individual tourists said that had have visited the country more than 10 times.
3. Southeast Asia emerges as a new growth market for South Korea. South Korean travel agencies focus on hallyu and the romantic atmosphere of Seoul to attract Southeast Asian tourists.
4. Diversification of tourism content based on storytelling
Seoul Metropolitan Government has pushed ahead with marketing, using storytelling for the following five-leading tourist destinations:
In 2014, efforts will be made to develop strategic tourist destinations based on storytelling.
Storytelling courses For more travel information
The Korea Tourist Police unit was launched in October 2013. Stationed in popular tourist areas, such as Myeongdong, Itaewon, Dongdaemun, Insadong, Hongdae, Cheonggyecheon, and City Hall, this special police force provide diverse services for tourists and are charged with preventing crime and other illegal activities, handling complaints, and providing tourist assistance. A total of 101 tourist police have been selected through a highly competitive process and have pledged to do their best to ensure that all visitors to Korea have a safe and enjoyable trip.
Main Duties
Tourist protection and crime prevention | Patrol 7 major tourist areas in Seoul to protect tourists and prevent crime |
Discourage illegal activities | Confront perpetuators of unfair and illegal activities, such as overcharging for goods/services, pressuring tourists to purchase goods, and running illegal “call vans” |
Tourist assistance and translation services | Provide tourist assistance and translation services in English, Japanese, and Chinese |
Complaints from Tourists | Quickly address any inconveniences or complaints that arise at or near tourist attractions |
• Contact: 1330 (Tourist Hotline)