At the beginning of this February, the Korea Tourism Organization in Thailand held a Korea tourism fair for people who love to travel to Korea as free independent travelers (FIT) called the “Love Korea, K-style Day,” at a shopping center in Bangkok, Siam Square One. This area is quite popular among teenagers and tourists. It’s like Myeongdang or Hongdae in Seoul. Thus it is the best place to have events. Indeed, this was not the first Korea tourism fair for FITs since the KTO emphasized promoting FITs, along with package tours over the past few years. Last year, the KTO in Thailand also held a FITs Fair, “Love Korea,” but it was at the NANTA Theater, not a public place like this year. Another thing that was different was that there was a Hanbok flash mob that had about 100 participants.
It started with a mini talk show with DJ Bookko, a famous DJ and emcee who has been to Korea several times. He shared his experiences traveling around Korea by himself, drawing laughs from the audience as his stories were funny. He said Koreans were very nice to him. He recommended places to visit apart from Myeongdong and Hongdae, which he said everyone definitely goes to, both the Haneul Sky Park and Garosugil. To get the best photos, he suggested going to the Haneul Sky Park at around 6 or 7 a.m., but bear in mind that there was no mini shuttle bus to go to the top of the hill. Hence you have to climb 291 stairs. However, it was worth it because there was no one there to block your view when taking photos. About Garosugil, he said there are a lot of nice and unique cafes for relaxing and resting after shopping around the area.
Then there was a Q&A session for two leading actresses and actors from the Thai TV show “Mia Luang.” It will be aired sometime this year. This drama was filmed at several locations in Busan last autumn. Warutaya Nilakhuha said she goes to Korea many times for both business and pleasure. She can even speak a few Korean sentences such as, “How much is it?” (얼마예요?), and “May I please have some water?” (물 좀 주세요). She particularly talked about the Gamcheon Culture Village and praised Korea’s government for developing this previously poor area, to become a popular tourist attraction with colorful houses on the mountain. The Nampo-dong shopping street, the “Myeongdong of Busan,” was another place she referred to. She loves Korean food. After finishing filming each day, she ate a lot of Korean BBQ. Korean shaved ice desserts, which are currently popular in Thailand, are one of her favorites, too. Chanon Ukkhachata also talked about his first time in Korea. He said he would truly like to try eating at a Korean street food tent, as he has seen on Korean TV, and he really did and enjoyed it. He met Thai students studying in Busan and they took him around their university, which is on the mountain with amazing scenery.
The highlight of this event was the Hanbok flash mob. More than 100 people were wearing Hanbok, a form of traditional Korean dress, in various colors and styles. There were a few rehearsals shortly before the event started. The participants remembered the choreography so fast. They danced three songs, including “Ariang,” a folk song that doubles as an unofficial national anthem for Korea.
Before the end of the fair, we watched a performance by The Empire, a troupe that always dances to Korean pop songs. You can watch all four performances at the playlist above.
Beside the stage, there was a beautiful backdrop with Korean wallpaper for those who would like to take a photo. Visitors were able to try on some Hanbok, as well. I saw non-Thai couples really interested in and trying on Hanbok. The staff would take a photo with a Polaroid and give you the picture for free! You would never regret the time you spend queuing to try on some Hanbok, because from what I know, there’s still no place you can wear Hanbok for free in Thailand.
There are a lot of Korea booths from the Incheon tourism bureau, Korean airlines, travel agencies, tour operators, Korean makeup companies, and Korean cafes, to showcase and give advice about their services and products for people interested in visiting Korea by themselves. Every participant also got a copy of “Korea: FIT mini Guide [Seoul – Gyeonggi-do – Incheon],” written by a Korean travel expert, a tote bag that says “Love Korea,” and other information brochures.
The event ended successfully. Though I didn’t win any lucky draws sponsored by the Korea Tourism Organization, an airline, or by a makeup company, I was really happy to join this event and I look forward to the following events throughout the year.
By Natcha Poompradit
Korea.net Honorary Reporter
Photos and videos: Natcha Poompradit
http://koreanetblog.blogspot.kr/2017/02/korea-day-in-thailand.html
