Seoul is Not the Ultimate Destination to Travel Korea -- Korea's Rural Sites are Rising Through 'Rural-20 Project'
Increased interest in Korean rural areas tourism through the 'Rural-20' project. A variety of Korea's genuine history, tradition and culture by four-themed tour programs.
(PRWEB) November 9, 2010
Seoul, Korea, November 9, 2010 -- What images come to mind when you think of 'Korea'?' Most people mention Kimchi, Hanbok and Taekwondo. Then where is the most representative place to travel in Korea? Most people are likely to choose 'Seoul'. Seoul has rapidly developed as an international metropolis in such a short time and became one of the largest tourist attractions where 80 million travelers annually visit. Seoul is great for shopping, its public security is well maintained and public transportation also comes in handy in Seoul.
However, 'Seoul' is not the only place you can visit when travelling Korea. It is actually the opposite. It would be wiser to travel to rural areas if foreigners truly would like to experience Korean history and tradition. Thanks to programs like Temple Stay, the number of people who say they have experienced the 'veritable Korean spirit and tradition' has increased significantly. The unique charm that comes from a long history and traditional culture in addition to breathtaking scenery is said to be a secret of Korean rural areas' popularity.
The 'Rural-20' project is the full-fledged attempt at the government level to introduce in earnest such Korean rural areas abroad. Rural-20is the project designed by the Ministry for Food, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries to proactively introduce Korea's rural areas, taking advantage of the momentum of the G-20 Seoul Summit 2010.
The project consists of four themes which include Experience Travel, Nature Travel, Orient Travel and Well-being Travel. Travelers can experience the original customs and cultures which only can be found in Korea's rural areas through 'Experience Travel', Korea's magnificent landscapes through 'Nature Travel', the long history and antique ruins of rural areas through 'Orient Travel' and the comforts of life through 'Wellbeing Travel' while enjoying the healthy food of the countryside.
Rural-20 tour courses consist of abundant programs through which tourists are able to directly see, feel and experience the Korean history and tradition - making fermented soybean lump, Korean soy sauce, taffy, kites and traditional sweets, digging for Manila clams in mud flat, building a traditional thatched house, experiencing a conventional wedding, learning about the culture of classical scholars, rafting, making salt at a salt farm, brewing wine with sweet persimmons and traditional alcohol, weaving Hwamunseok, throwing rice cake and playing Nongak (traditional Korean music performance).
David (US, 43) who has visited Oeam Maul through 'Rural-20 supporters program' said, "I have not had a chance to travel rural areas even though I come to Korea often on business, but this 'Rural-20 project' became quite an experience. I hope there are even more programs with which tourists can experience Korean tradition, history and beauty of rural areas like this." He continued, "Interest in eastern culture is widely increasing worldwide these days. Rural-20 project needs to constantly pay attention to provide foreigners with such great opportunities."
For reference, the 'Rural-20 supporters program', which is ongoing since last August for foreigners living in Korea, is operating successfully. The program will be running until the end of November 2010. More detailed information about applying for the program can be found at the Rural-20 homepage.
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