Korea Travel Forum

The number of foreign residents in South Korea exceeded 1.4 million for the first time as the number of foreigners with E-9 visas working in non-professional jobs and international students increased due to the COVID-19 endemic. If including naturalized immigrants who have acquired South Korean citizenship, the number of immigrants will nearly reach 1.5 million.According to the results of the 2023 Immigrant Stay and Employment Survey released by Statistics Korea on Dec. 18, there were 1.43 million foreigners aged 15 and older who stayed in Korea for more than 90 days as of May 2023. This was a 9.9 percent increase from a year ago and the largest number ever. Among them, the number of employed foreigners stood at 923,000, the highest number ever.Both the number of foreigners and the number of foreign workers are the highest since the Korean government began to compile such statistics in 2012. However, the number of naturalized Koreans (aged 15 and over) who acquired Korean citizenship within the last five years sat at 51,000 in 2023, about 1,000 fewer compared to 2022.By nationality, Korean-Chinese including ethnic Koreans accounted for 33.0 percent of the total. They were followed by Vietnamese (14.1 percent). Only 9.7 percent of immigrants were non-Asians. By industry, mining and manufacturing (44.6 percent) were the most common industries where they worked. These were followed by retail, accommodation, and food services (18.4 percent), business, private and public services (15.5 percent), and construction (12.15 percent). In addition, 33.2 percent of employed foreigners were temporary and casual workers.Qualitatively, their situations were somewhat better than in the past. The largest proportion (50.6 percent) earned an average wage of 2 million to 3 million won (US$1,530 to US$2,295) per month. This was followed by 35.8 percent earning more than 3 million won per month. The proportion of those earning more than 3 million won swelled by 5.7 percentage points from a year ago. This means that one in three foreign workers earned more than 3 million won per month, the largest share ever. This is due to the fact that there were more highly educated and highly paid foreign workers than in the past.The average monthly wage of Korean wage earners stood at three million won as of August this year. Moreover, 78.5 percent of the foreign workers said their wages were similar to those of Korean workers doing similar jobs in terms of work hours and 67.7 percent in terms of wages.Foreigners living in Korea spent the most of their earnings on living expenses (39.4 percent). They wired 23.2 percent of their income outside of Korea such as to their home countries. Only 15.7 percent went into savings.The increase in foreign residents in South Korea was mainly driven by young people. By age group, young adults (15 to 29 years old) increased by nearly 70,000 from 347,000 in 2022 to 416,000 in 2023, accounting for 29.1 percent of all the foreign resident in Korea. Those in their 30s ascended by 33,000 to 396,000 (27.7 percent). Those in their 40s and 60s or older also increased by 12,000 (15.5 percent) and 18,000 (13.0 percent) to 222,000 and 186,000, respectively, compared to the previous year. However, the number of those in their 50s fell by 5,000 (14.7 percent).According to the results of Future Population Projections (2022-2072) released by Statistics Korea on Dec. 14, the percentage of the working-age population (15 to 64 years old) in the total population in Korea is expected to plummet from 71.1 percent in 2022 to 45.8 percent in 2072 due to the country’s demographic structure.By status of residence, the count of non-professional workers and international students inflated by 60,000 and 25,000, respectively, while the number of visitor workers (H-2 visa holders) and marriage migrants decreased by 10,000 and 3,000, respectively. Of the 1.43 million foreign nationals, the largest number were overseas Koreans (386,000), followed by non-professional workers (269,000), international students (188,000), permanent residents (131,000), and marriage immigrants (120,000). Nepalese (39,000), Cambodians (39,000), and Vietnamese (32,000) were the most common foreign nationalities in non-professional employment.The employment rate for foreigners fell 0.3 percentage points year on year to 64.5 percent due to an increase in international students. Foreign workers in their 30s or younger took the lead in increasing the number of foreign workers. Those in their 30s accounted for 33.3 percent of the total, up 30,000 from the previous year. Those aged 15 to 29 also climbed by 41,000 or 23.2 percent to 214,000. Those in their 30s and younger accounted for more than half (56.5 percent) of those employed.Meanwhile, 30.0 percent of the students said they came to Korea to study because of the high quality of education in Korea. This was followed by 21.9 percent because their majors were well suited to their interests and 10.6 percent because they believed that their Korean degrees will help them find decent jobs. Compared to three years ago, the percentage of students who chose to study in Korea because of the quality of curricula in Korea ascended by 4.2 percentage points and that of students who chose to study in Korea because they judged that it will help them get good jobs shrank by 2.8 percentage points.More than six in ten (63.0 percent) international students said that they wanted to stay in Korea after graduation. This was an 8.3 percentage point jump from three years ago.Source : Businesskorea(https://www.businesskorea.co.kr)

Hey folks,I just got back from a long weekend trip to Busan and had an awesome time exploring Korea's second largest city. Wanted to share some of the highlights in case anyone else is planning a visit soon.We focused our time around Haeundae Beach, Gwangbokro, and Gamcheon Culture Village since those areas seemed to have the most to see and do packed into a short trip. On our first day, we started at Haeundae Beach in the morning to avoid the afternoon sun. The beach is massive and the water was surprisingly warm even so early in the season. Definitely worthwhile to spend a couple hours relaxing in the sand or walking along the boardwalk.From there, we made our way over to Gwangbokro which is like the main downtown area. So many cute cafes and shops to check out along the walking street. We had tteokbokki from a famous stall there that was super spicy and delicious. In the afternoon, a bus ride took us to Gamcheon Culture Village for some incredible Instagram-worthy views of the colorful houses built into the hillside. Really unique spot!On day two, we took a city tour bus that made stops all along the coast. The stops included Songdo Beach, Dalmajibang Wharf for seafood, and Seomyeon for the night markets. Probably my favorite meal was crab stew from one of the many street vendors at the markets. So fresh and filling. We capped off the night with desserts at Paris Baguette, the perfect way to end a long day of exploring.For our last morning, we walked around Taejongdae Resort Park and got amazing views of the coastline and seaside cliffs. It was really peaceful to wander the trails there before catching our train back to Seoul.Hope this gives you some ideas for a quick Busan trip! Let me know if you have any other questions. The food is seriously so good there so make sure to leave room in your belly for exploring.

South Korea experiences hot and humid weather during the summer months, and it can be quite challenging for both locals and tourists. However, Koreans have developed various ways to cope with this weather.1. Air conditioning: Many indoor spaces, including homes, offices, public transportation, shopping centers, and restaurants, are equipped with air conditioning systems. This provides relief from the heat and helps Koreans withstand the hot weather.2. Clothing choices: While it may seem surprising, it is not uncommon to see Koreans wearing long pants or jeans during hot weather. This can be attributed to cultural norms, personal preferences, or a desire to protect their skin from the sun's rays. However, you will also find many people wearing lighter fabrics, such as cotton or linen, to stay cool.  https://www.whattowearonvacation.com/destinations/asia-far-east/korea/94-what-to-wear-in-korea/3. Umbrellas and hats: Koreans often use umbrellas to shield themselves from the sun. It helps to create shade and prevent direct exposure to intense heat. Additionally, wearing hats or caps provides protection to the face and head from direct sunlight.4. Hydration: Staying hydrated is crucial during hot weather. Koreans are mindful of drinking plenty of water and other hydrating fluids to prevent dehydration. Many also enjoy traditional beverages like sujeonggwa (cinnamon punch) or sikhye (sweet rice drink) that help cool the body. https://kimchimari.com/korean-summer-drinks-and-desserts-to-make-at-home/5. Avoid peak hours: Koreans try to plan their outdoor activities early in the morning or later in the evening when the sun's intensity is lower. This helps minimize exposure to extreme heat and allows them to enjoy outdoor activities with more comfort.6. Cooling products: South Korea has a variety of cooling products and technologies available in the market. These include portable fans, cooling sprays, cooling patches, and even clothing with built-in cooling features. People often utilize these products to help regulate their body temperature.Overall, Koreans have developed various strategies to cope with hot and humid weather, combining cultural practices, personal choices, and the use of modern technology.

Found this graphic about the average weather and climate information in South Korea. Might be useful for the locals or tourists planning to visit the country.Image Source: https://gowithguide.com/blog/south-korea-tourism-statistics-2023-all-you-need-to-know-5254

Did you know that South Korea is one of the leading tourist destinations in Asia? Over the past few decades, South Korea has experienced a significant surge in international tourism, attracting millions of visitors from all over the world. China and Japan were among the top visitors to South Korea.South Korea attracts a large number of international tourists, and these two countries consistently contribute significantly to the total inbound tourist arrivals.China: has been the largest source of international tourists for South Korea for several years. The proximity between the two countries and improved diplomatic relations have facilitated an increase in Chinese tourists traveling to South Korea. Chinese tourists are drawn to South Korea for its culture, shopping, entertainment, and famous tourist attractions. Japan: is another major source of tourists to South Korea. The geographical proximity and cultural ties between the two nations make it convenient for Japanese travelers to visit South Korea. Similarly, South Korean tourists also frequently visit Japan due to the ease of travel between the two countries.Apart from China and Japan, South Korea also receives tourists from various other countries, including the United States, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Southeast Asian nations. The Korean Wave (Hallyu) phenomenon, including K-pop music, Korean dramas, and Korean cosmetics, has significantly contributed to the popularity of South Korea as a tourist destination among global audiences, leading to a diverse range of international visitors.Source:https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/culture/2023/07/135_348163.htmlhttps://gowithguide.com/blog/south-korea-tourism-statistics-2023-all-you-need-to-know-5254

Are you planning to visit South Korea? South Korea has specific rules and regulations for foreigners visiting or residing in the country. Some key points include:Check your passport: Ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in South Korea. Visa requirements: Determine if you need a visa to enter South Korea based on your nationality and the purpose of your visit. Apply for a visa if necessary. Research travel advisories (https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/south-korea-travel-advisory.html): Stay updated on any travel advisories or warnings issued for South Korea by your country's government. This information can help you make informed decisions about your trip. Health and vaccinations: Check if any specific vaccinations are recommended or required for South Korea. It is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional well in advance of your trip. Travel insurance (https://www.monito.com/en/best-travel-insurance-for/south-korea): Consider purchasing travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, trip cancellation, and other unforeseen events during your stay in South Korea. Currency exchange (https://www.xe.com/currencyconverter/convert/?Amount=1&From=USD&To=KRW): Familiarize yourself with the local currency, the South Korean won (KRW), and arrange for currency exchange or international payment methods like credit cards. Local customs and etiquette (https://culturalatlas.sbs.com.au/south-korean-culture/south-korean-culture-etiquette): Learn about the local customs, etiquette, and cultural practices in South Korea to ensure respectful behavior during your visit. Accommodation and transportation: Make advance reservations for accommodation and research transportation options within the country, including public transportation and local taxis. Communication: If you don't speak Korean, consider learning a few basic phrases or downloading translation apps to assist with communication. You may also hire a local guide (https://gowithguide.com/korea) to help with translation, ensure smooth communication with locals, and help you make the most of your time in South Korea. Safety and security: Familiarize yourself with safety precautions, emergency contact numbers, and important local regulations to ensure a safe and secure trip.

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If you are interested in hiring a local tour guide in South Korea, there are several options you can consider. Here are a few steps you can take:Research: Start by researching the popular tourist destinations and attractions in South Korea. Identify the specific areas or cities you want to visit and learn about their cultural significance and historical background. Seek recommendations: Ask friends, family, or fellow travelers who have been to South Korea for advice on local tour guides they may have used or heard of. Their firsthand experiences can provide valuable insights and help you find a reliable guide. Online platforms: Utilize online media and websites that connect tourists with local guides. Some popular platforms include TripAdvisor, GetYourGuide, and Viator. These platforms provide reviews and ratings from previous customers, allowing you to choose a guide based on their reputation and expertise. Local tourism organizations: Contact local tourism organizations or visitor centers in the cities you plan to visit. They can provide information on registered tour guides and help you connect with licensed professionals trained to give tours in South Korea. Guide associations: Look for associations or guilds of tour guides in South Korea. These organizations often have websites or contact information where you can find certified principles that adhere to professional standards and regulations. Language proficiency: Ensure that your tour guide is fluent in English or your preferred language. Effective communication is crucial for a successful tour experience. Verify credentials: Once you have found potential tour guides, verify their credentials, licenses, and certifications. Ensure they are authorized to conduct tours and have the necessary knowledge and expertise in the areas you plan to visit. Itinerary and cost: Discuss your travel itinerary and preferences with the tour guide. They can provide valuable insights and suggestions to enhance your experience. Additionally, clarify the cost of their services, including any additional expenses such as transportation or entrance fees. Reviews and references: Before finalizing your decision, check online reviews or ask for references from previous clients. This can give you a better understanding of the guide's reputation and the quality of its services. Book in advance: Once you have selected a tour guide, book their services well, especially during peak tourist seasons. This ensures their availability and allows you to plan your trip more effectively.Remember to communicate your expectations clearly and discuss any specific interests or requirements you may have. A local tour guide can significantly enhance your travel experience in South Korea by providing valuable insights, cultural context, and personalized recommendations.Here are the Pros and Cons of hiring a local tour guide in South Korea:Source: https://gowithguide.com/blog/hiring-a-guide-in-south-korea-pros-and-cons-5288

홍콩통역/홍콩영어통역/홍콩현지통역 monica안녕하세요중국 현지 한국어 중국어 영어 통역사 양리입니다 (영문 이름 monica)저는 한국어를 전공하는 오리지널 한족 중국인이며 에이전시 아닌 개인 통역 프리랜서입니다한국 유학을 2년 했으며 영어도 유창하게 대화할 수 있어요통역 가이드 경력 6년차,30대 초반 여성 통역 프리랜서광저우 심천 홍콩 등 도시에 활도하고 있으며 가이드 통역, 시장 조사, 전시회 수행 통역, 공장 방문 미팅, 코트라 주최 무역 수출 상담회 등 경험 많습니다.저는 개인 프리랜서지만 시간 약속 잘 지킵니다.지금까지 약속해 놓고 연락 안되거나 도망 가거나 그런 일이 한번도 없었어요.서로간에 좋은 인연으로 오래 가고 싶습니다꼼꼼하게 일처리하겠습니다 많은 연락 부탁드리겠습니다

Did you know that the Korean peninsula is known as the Land of the Morning Calm because of its serene mountains, clean waters, and green terrain, especially in the morning? No wonder Korean tourism keeps on growing.South Korea has known for a lot of things such as abundant tourist attractions, historical and modern culture, skyscrapers, K-POP music, award-winning K-Dramas, authentic food, and many more. Hence, South Korea has ranked 3rd as the most visited in East Asia.Here's the Top 10 Tourism Statistics Infographic to get to know why you should visit South Korea:Source: https://gowithguide.com/blog/south-korea-tourism-statistics-2023-all-you-need-to-know-5254 

You can't go wrong visiting South Korea if you want to feed your soul and fill your heart with its futuristic architecture, unique and interesting cafes, mouth-watering street food, dressing up like your idols, or doing a photoshoot session. If you're fortunate enough, you'll experience the Seoul Lantern Festival.How to enjoy the city attractions?1. Purchase Discover Seoul Pass (discoverseoulpass.com/app/main) - it's up to you if you will avail of the 24-hour, 48-hour, or 72-hour pass.Note: Each attraction's operating hours and holidays can be changed due to each attraction’s schedule so you have to double-check before visiting.2. Seoul City Tour Bus (english.visitseoul.net/citytourbus) - The Seoul City Tour Bus provides organized shuttle tours to the city's most popular attractions. For the price of just a single ticket, you can spend all day hopping on and hopping off the *bus as it follows a circular route connecting Seoul's top sightseeing destinations. For first-time visitors, there is no better way to discover the city.3. Seoul Guided Walking Tour (guruwalk.com/seoul) - go beyond by walking through every site learning and being amazed by the city's history.4. Seoul Private Tours (gowithguide.com/korea/seoul) - if you want to discover what other things to do in Seoul, a local guide will help you and customize your trip.Seoul has so much to offer and spending for a couple of days is surely not enough but with the help of these tour services, hope you'll get to enjoy the city and have a blast!

⚡ Please note ⚡Since COVID-19 is getting slowed down after 2 years and more, we are in the face of a surge in tour requests. Depending on the situation, we sometimes deliver tour requests to our partner companies.Ironically, the long pandemic forced us to reduce the number of staff as much as possible to survive. Therefore, we have no choice but to deal with more definite requests in order.If you make a small down payment($50 to $100), we can prioritize your request. (Click the button below)

<VR Live tour to celebrate BTS' concert in Korea with ARMY>□ Introduction of the company and online live tourHello:) We are "Meclouds", a start-up that develops and operates global online tour contents in real-time through 360°VR.To celebrate the BTS Concert Week in March, we are recruiting people to participate in the BTS pilgrimage online tour at a lower price than a movie ticket!We are looking forward to meeting global Army who wants to visit wherever BTS goes or anyone interested in Korean Culture and Travel. Stay Tuned! □ Tour scheduleㅇ Date: 7~13th of March, 2022The general online tour takes 30-90 minutes. You can discuss the date, time, and schedule you want.□ Tour course ㅇ Participants can choose where they want to visit and discuss other places<Seoullo 7017> The background of “BTS’ Life in Seoul” and music video “With Seoul” <Banpo Hangang Park> The place where BTS members gathered to eat pizza and chicken delivered from “BTS’ Life in Seoul” <Yoojung Sikdang> BTS’s favorite restaurant since they were in pre-debut <Hyangho Beach Bus Stop> is where the album cover for BTS' "You Never Walk Alone" and the music video of "Spring Day" were shot <BT21 Store> you can look around various BTS goods and shop through us as well < > Live broadcast of the surrounding areas where the BTS concert will be held□ How to apply and contact usEmail: meclouds@meclouds.com General Phone: 82-2-6337-0312 Instagram / Facebook: meclouds Kakao Talk channel: meclouds□ Guides on other thingsㅇ Online tour guide: www.towishtrip.comㅇ TOWISH app introduction: https://vimeo.com/557478612 ㅇ The tour will be held in both Korean and English ㅇ In addition, there will be various online tours, so please contact us if you are interested

 <VR Live tour to celebrate BTS' concert in Korea with ARMY>□ Introduction of the company and online live tourHello:) We are "Meclouds", a start-up that develops and operates global online tour contents in real-time through 360°VR.To celebrate the BTS Concert Week in March, we are recruiting people to participate in the BTS pilgrimage online tour at a lower price than a movie ticket!We are looking forward to meeting global Army who wants to visit wherever BTS goes or anyone interested in Korean Culture and Travel. Stay Tuned! □ Tour scheduleㅇ Date: 7~13th of March, 2022The general online tour takes 30-90 minutes. You can discuss the date, time, and schedule you want. □ Tour course ㅇ Participants can choose where they want to visit and discuss other places<Seoullo 7017> The background of “BTS’ Life in Seoul” and music video “With Seoul” <Banpo Hangang Park> The place where BTS members gathered to eat pizza and chicken delivered from “BTS’ Life in Seoul” <Yoojung Sikdang> BTS’s favorite restaurant since they were in pre-debut <Hyangho Beach Bus Stop> is where the album cover for BTS' "You Never Walk Alone" and the music video of "Spring Day" were shot <BT21 Store> you can look around various BTS goods and shop through us as well < > Live broadcast of the surrounding areas where the BTS concert will be held □ How to apply and contact usEmail: meclouds@meclouds.com General Phone: 82-2-6337-0312 Instagram / Facebook: meclouds Kakao Talk channel: meclouds □ Guides on other thingsㅇ Online tour guide: www.towishtrip.comㅇ TOWISH app introduction: https://vimeo.com/557478612 ㅇ The tour will be held in both Korean and English ㅇ In addition, there will be various online tours, so please contact us if you are interested

 <VR Live tour to celebrate BTS' concert in Korea with ARMY>□ Introduction of the company and online live tourHello:) We are "Meclouds", a start-up that develops and operates global online tour contents in real-time through 360°VR.To celebrate the BTS Concert Week in March, we are recruiting people to participate in the BTS pilgrimage online tour at a lower price than a movie ticket!We are looking forward to meeting global Army who wants to visit wherever BTS goes or anyone interested in Korean Culture and Travel. Stay Tuned! □ Tour scheduleㅇ Date: 7~13th of March, 2022The general online tour takes 30-90 minutes. You can discuss the date, time, and schedule you want. □ Tour course ㅇ Participants can choose where they want to visit and discuss other places<Seoullo 7017> The background of “BTS’ Life in Seoul” and music video “With Seoul” <Banpo Hangang Park> The place where BTS members gathered to eat pizza and chicken delivered from “BTS’ Life in Seoul” <Yoojung Sikdang> BTS’s favorite restaurant since they were in pre-debut <Hyangho Beach Bus Stop> is where the album cover for BTS' "You Never Walk Alone" and the music video of "Spring Day" were shot <BT21 Store> you can look around various BTS goods and shop through us as well < > Live broadcast of the surrounding areas where the BTS concert will be held □ How to apply and contact usEmail: meclouds@meclouds.com General Phone: 82-2-6337-0312 Instagram / Facebook: meclouds Kakao Talk channel: meclouds □ Guides on other thingsㅇ Online tour guide: www.towishtrip.comㅇ TOWISH app introduction: https://vimeo.com/557478612 ㅇ The tour will be held in both Korean and English ㅇ In addition, there will be various online tours, so please contact us if you are interested

Could the Taiwan-Palau travel bubble provide a model for Singapore to emulate, paving the way for leisure travel to take place between one sunny island and another?The answer is not quite so straightforward. According to the experts, travel bubbles with other islands are not likely to be inherently safer than similar arrangements with any other country. Instead, much depends on whether governments are in control of the Covid-19 situation within their borders.Last Wednesday (March 17), Taiwan said it will open its first travel bubble with the Pacific island nation of Palau next month, with tour groups to follow a government-approved schedule and visit only certain tourist sites. They will also have to observe social distancing rules, and cannot venture off on their own.Taiwan's Health Minister Chen Shih-chung said a day later that Singapore could be the next country the island could establish a travel bubble with, and that the two sides are in discussion on such an arrangement.While it may be easier for local authorities to regulate entry and exit to an island, as opposed to policing long stretches of land borders, success still boils down to a country's ability to keep a close eye on its territory, said Professor Teo Yik Ying, dean of the National University of Singapore's Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health."If surveillance was lax to begin with, it will still be possible for travellers to enter and exit an island without proper documentation," he noted.Infectious diseases expert Paul Tambyah, who is president of the Asia Pacific Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infection, added that the majority of serious transnational outbreaks in recent years have been spread by air travel rather than over land.Given this, it is unlikely that setting up a travel bubble with an island nation instead of a larger country would make a significant difference in terms of risks, he said."Right now, the key has to be effective vaccination," Professor Tambyah added. "That has been shown, time and again over the years, to be effective in containing and controlling infectious diseases from smallpox to polio to yellow fever and many more."Vaccination will also be key to helping Singapore regain its attractiveness as a tourist destination, said Assistant Professor Michael Alexander Kruesi, who teaches in the Singapore Institute of Technology's hospitality business programme.Unlike visitors to Taiwan and Palau, who will be able to engage in nature-based activities while avoiding crowds in major urban centres, Singapore's main draws are its highly populated urban locations, he noted.Without a high percentage of the local population vaccinated, strict safe distancing measures cannot be loosened and tourists may be put off from visiting, Prof Kruesi said. He added that opening the country's doors to visitors would likely involve some sort of disruption - for instance, zoning off certain portions of attractions or imposing staggered timings."I do not think there are many, if any, of the big draw attractions - such as those in Marina Bay or on Sentosa - that tourists could possibly visit without major disruption to the operation of the attraction."As for the challenge of keeping tourists in line, Prof Teo pointed out how some restaurants in Singapore already faced difficulties trying to enforce the rules that prevent intermingling among local guests from different tables."Extrapolate this to a situation where it involves resort and hotel accommodations, restaurants and gift shops, but now include the additional variable that the patrons are citizens of another country who are here to support your local tourism," Prof Teo said. "You will realise, quickly, the ability and will to police these visitors will be much reduced."And will Singaporeans be keen on such tours, even if they have to abide by strict rules? Dynasty Travel's director of public relations and communications Alicia Seah thinks the answer is yes."I believe that customers will go on such trips with restricted itineraries, as long as the travel agent is able to customise them according to their needs," she said.Source: https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/can-taiwan-palau-travel-bubble-be-a-model-for-singapore-the-jury-is-out

South Korea on Friday extended its special advisory against overseas travel for another month amid the continued spread of the new coronavirus, the foreign ministry said.The measure, which will be effective until Feb. 15, calls for citizens to cancel or postpone their planned trips abroad. The current monthlong advisory is set to expire Saturday.The ministry said that it extended the advisory, as many countries around the world continue to restrict entries of people arriving from overseas and many international flights remain suspended.The ministry also called on citizens to stick to hygiene guidelines, avoid large gatherings and outdoor activities, and minimize contact with other people. (Yonhap)

South Korea renewed the country's special advisory against overseas travel for another month amid the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic.According to the Foreign Ministry on Thursday, the renewed advisory for South Koreans will be in effect until January 16.The ministry first issued the advisory on March 23, which has been extended on a monthly basis.The advisory calls for South Koreans not to go abroad unless the trip is essential and for those staying outside of the country to take extra precautions.The ministry decided on an extension considering the World Health Organization’s pandemic declaration, its continued global expansion, and existing entry restrictions imposed by other countries.Source: https://world.kbs.co.kr/service/news_view.htm?lang=e&Seq_Code=158337

Thailand received more than 1,000 foreign tourists in October, the first set of visitors to the Southeast Asian nation in six months.Tourists began returning in small numbers under a special long-stay tourist visa unveiled by the government last month, according to data released by Thailand’s tourism ministry Tuesday. The October arrivals compared with 3.07 million foreign visitors during the same month a year ago, and were the first since March, data showed.While Thailand has relaxed most of its coronavirus measures to allow businesses to fully reopen and some visitors to return, it has retained a nationwide state of emergency to prevent a resurgence in the pandemic. The nation’s ailing tourism industry is struggling to draw visitors as authorities have retained a mandatory 14-day quarantine on arrival amid a surge in confirmed infections worldwide.The tourism ministry didn’t detail revenue generated from the foreign visitors and said some of the information may be subject to revisions. Thailand netted more than $60 billion in revenue from about 40 million visitors in 2019, official data show.Source: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-11-24/thailand-sees-foreign-tourists-return-for-first-time-since-march

Pfizer / BioNTech’s and Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccines have a lot in common: they’ve both been highly effective in clinical trials, they’re both gene-based vaccines, and they also each require two doses. That last point is pretty standard for vaccines. “If you look at all the FDA approved vaccines, the vast majority will require multiple doses,” says Otto Yang, an infectious disease specialist at UCLA Health. Here’s why some of the most promising coronavirus vaccine candidates are no exception.[adsense]A vaccine works by exposing the body to a small part of the virus so that the immune system can learn to recognize it. More than one dose means more opportunities for the immune system to figure out exactly how to counter a future infection. The immune system needs the extra exposure time to learn how to effectively fight the virus because, as Yang explains, a vaccine doesn’t replicate in the body the way a virus does.“When you’re first getting exposed to something,” says Yang, “the immune system is actually starting from scratch.” Pathogens, like the coronavirus, have specific areas called antigens, which trigger our cells to produce antibodies to fight off the infection. A vaccine triggers the production of specific antibodies that can fight off something like a virus.Multiple doses of a vaccine give the body a chance to produce more antibodies. They also give the body a robust supply of memory cells, which remain in the body long after exposure. These cells are ready to respond to those specific antigens if they appear again. With multiple doses, the body is exposed to more antigens, so more memory cells are created, leading to a faster and more effective antibody response in the future.Memory cells don’t last forever and will die off over time. This is why people need booster shots to maintain an immune response to infections like tetanus and diphtheria. A booster is, as the name implies, a boost to a response that’s already been established. “A booster is often just one shot because that’s enough to basically wake up the response as opposed to making a new response.” But multiple initial doses are different from a booster shot. The reason for those multiple doses, Yang says, “is because generating the initial response is harder than reviving the response that’s already there.”Two doses is the best way to create an effective number of antibodies and memory cells, but the requirement poses logistical problems. It means twice as many materials — needles, vials, the vaccine itself — need to be produced, stored, and distributed. It’s also harder to get people to go get a vaccine twice. It could be especially difficult for people to take time from work, arrange for child care, or travel some distance to the nearest vaccination site.We’re still in early stages of vaccine development for this particular virus. While Pfizer / BioNTech’s and Moderna’s vaccines both require currently two doses, there are still dozens of other vaccines that haven’t yet reached later phase trials. Johnson & Johnson is testing the efficacy of both a single dose and two doses of their vaccine to evaluate and compare the long-term efficacy of both. There may be a simpler solution on the horizon, but for now, it looks like the first vaccines available will likely come in two shots.Source: https://www.theverge.com/2020/11/20/21587664/pfizer-moderna-covid-19-coronavirus-vaccine-two-doses-shots

Questionnaire  Tourism in South Korea: The Impact of the Korean Wave on the arrival of tourists, a comparison of the perspective of Tourists and Natives First of all, I would like to thank you for taking part in this research. I´m a 3rd year Cultural Anthropology student at the University of Palacky in Czech Republic. This questionnaire is a part of the research for my bachelor's thesis on Tourism in South Korea.All of the questions in this questionnaire are open-ended, which means that the respondent is free to answer the questions as she/ he deems appropriate. Please, write longer answers, don´t answer with just one word or one sentence. Take it as a form of a dialogue, where you are free to talk as much as you would like. The longer your answers are going to be, the more accurate the research will be.In the questionnaire, I will not ask any of your personal data other than those listed in column respondent, because it's better to write which age groups I looked at, while doing my research. But, otherwise, I won't ask for any personal information.If there are any questions about my research, feel free to contact me on my email:vlckan02@upol.czIf the email address does not work, please send the answers on my personal email:ajka.2061999@gmail.com Respondent:Gender:Age:Length of stay in South Korea: Questionnaire: 1. Which association comes to your mind first with the phrase South Korea?   2. What was your first experience with the culture of South Korea?   3. Was your first experience mediated through a friend, acquaintance, family or did you get associated with it other way?  4. Are you a fan of Korean pop culture? If yes, why?   5. What role does pop culture play in your daily life?   6. Why did you decide to visit Korea?   7. Have you decided to visit this country based on your previous experience with Korean culture?   8. Did someone from your family, acquaintances or loved ones motivate you to visit this country?   9. Have you noticed any differences in terms of tourism in recent years (number of tourists, new destinations, reasons for their visit)?   10. What do you think could motivate tourists to come to Korea (internal motivation)?   11. Are you familiar with the concept of Korean Wave or Hallyu?   12. Which elements of the Korean wave, according to you, are most popular among tourists and cause their interest in the country?   13. What do you think is the main reason for the popularity of Korean culture among tourists?  14. What attractions or locations would you recommend to the tourists as a native? Would you recommend the most popular sites or sites that are not often listed in the Guides? Why?   15. What is your favorite location in South Korea and why? How did you find this location?   16. Do you think that the Korean Wave will continue to attract people and thus result in their interest in this country?   17. Does Korean Wave affect your everyday life? If yes, how?   18. Do you think that foreigners are interested in Korea mainly thanks to the Korean Wave? Or can you think of other reasons, too?   19. What else could be the source of the country´s popularity?   20. Does tourism affect your everyday life? If yes, how?   21. How much do you think tourism contributes to the overall wealth of the nation?   22. If tourism did not exist, how much poorer would a region or an economy be in terms of wealth and jobs?   23. What are the key tourism industries in Korea? Which do you think supports the most jobs?    24. What do you think is the most popular way of transportation among tourists? How do they get to the country and travel in the country? Which type do you prefer?   25. What type of accommodation do you think is the most popular among tourists and why? Which type do you prefer?   26. What do you think could be the most popular way of eating for foreigners? What way of eating do you prefer?   27. Which restaurants are the most popular among tourists and why? (Korean cuisine, western food, ...)   28. Do you think tourism in South Korea is going to continue growing thanks to the Korean Wave? Or do you think that the phenomenon already had its peak in popularity?   29. Could you think of any negative economic impacts associated with tourism? If yes, what could it be?   30. What would you recommend to the future tourists to not forget at home before their trip to South Korea?   31. How would you characterize Koreans, what are they like?    

Quarantine-free leisure travel between Hong Kong and Singapore will resume on Nov. 22, according to details of a bilateral air travel bubble announced Wednesday.Under the new guidelines, passengers will be allowed to travel between the two locations without the need to isolate on arrival. Instead, they will be required to undergo a Covid-19 test and provide a negative result within 72 hours before departure. All travelers arriving in Hong Kong will also be required to take a Covid-19 test at the airport upon arrival.[wordads]There will be no restrictions on the purpose of travel and no requirement for a controlled itinerary or sponsorship. However, travelers must have no travel history to any place outside of Hong Kong or Singapore within 14 days prior to departure.Arrivals will be subject to local Covid-19 restrictions in the respective markets, such as downloading a contact tracing app and wearing masks. Any travelers who contract the virus will be required to bear their own medical costs.Flights will be initially limited to one per day into each city with a limit of 200 travelers on each flight.If the coronavirus situation does not deteriorate in either city, flights are expected to increase from Dec. 7 to two per day into each city. However, should the weekly average of confirmed cases exceed five per day on either side, the bubble will be suspended for two weeks, Hong Kong’s Secretary for Economic Development and Commerce, Edward Yau, noted.The designated air travel bubble flights will only ferry passengers traveling between Hong Kong and Singapore, and will not include those transiting through either of the cities, the announcement noted.Hong Kong and Singapore first announced plans for a bilateral travel bubble in mid-October as both cities seek to repair some of the damage inflicted by the coronavirus pandemic on their hard-hit tourism and aviation industries.Without domestic air travel markets, the two Asian business hubs are heavily reliant on international travel. Last year, Hong Kong recorded more than 453,000 visitor arrivals from Singapore, while Singapore received 489,000 visitors from Hong Kong, according to the respective cities’ official statistics.The agreement will fall well short of bringing flights between the two locations to their pre-pandemic average of 18 per day. Still, Singapore’s minister for transport, Ong Ye Kung, hailed the agreement as a “first of its kind,” and said it could go some way in reinstating international travel.“The Singapore-Hong Kong Air Travel Bubble enables us to achieve two objectives at the same time – open up our borders in a controlled manner, while maintaining safety in our societies,” he said.“While we may be starting small, this is an important step forward. I have no doubt both Singapore and Hong Kong will co-operate fully to make this scheme work. It will be a useful reference for other countries and regions that have controlled the epidemic, and are contemplating opening their borders,” he added.Both Singapore and Hong Kong have been early advocates of introducing travel agreements with other countries considered to be low risk.Singapore, for its part, has unilaterally opened its borders to tourists from select countries including Australia, Brunei, mainland China, Vietnam and New Zealand. Meanwhile, Hong Kong is said to be in talks with 10 countries, including Japan and Thailand, over similar arrangements.As of Nov. 10, Singapore had 58,073 total confirmed coronavirus cases and 28 deaths. Hong Kong had a total of 5,390 confirmed cases and 108 deaths.Source: https://www.cnbc.com/2020/11/11/singapore-and-hong-kong-to-start-travel-bubble-flights-on-nov-22.html