The Seoul Welcome Week 2018, where foreign tourists can enjoy a variety of special discounts and events, will run from Wednesday to next Saturday, the Seoul Metropolitan Government and the Seoul Tourism Association announced Tuesday.
During the Welcome Week that coincides with Japan’s Golden Week (from April 28 to May 6) and China’s Labor Day holidays (from April 29 to May 1), foreign visitors will be able to experience various cultural events and performances with regard to the Korean Wave.
At the Cheonggye Plaza in Jongno District, which is one of the most popular attractions in Seoul for foreign tourists, a total of seven enterprises will hold fun and enjoyable events every day from next Tuesday to Saturday.
On next Tuesday, the make-up artist of a famous girl band will hold a “K-beauty make-up class” to demonstrate the actual make-up that the girl group’s members wear. On next Saturday, the stylists of celebrities including actresses known worldwide through the Korean Wave will share their knowhow about styling. A mini fashion show will also be held.
“MUSICKING,” a tourism startup, will install a portable recording booth where visitors can try recording their favorite K-pop songs and filming music videos. “Hanguk-punghyang,” a magazine that introduces Korean celebrities and culture to Chinese readers, is planning to install a special corner to give out Hangeul (Korean alphabet) T-shirts and let foreign visitors taste Korea’s traditional liquor. Foreigners can also join a roulette event to win a ticket for a cruise ship on the Han River, try the nonverbal percussion performance “Nanta” for themselves, and have a VR experience of playing soccer.
The Welcome Center booths will be installed not only at the Cheonggye Plaza but also in Myeong-dong, Namsan, Hongik University, COEX and Gwanghwamun. Foreign tourists who visit the center will be able to get a 20 percent discount on tickets for the Seoul City Tour Bus.
The Seoul Metropolitan Government has operated the Seoul Welcome Week since 2014, under the belief that the best policy for tourists is a warm welcome. During the period, welcome messages written in different foreign languages will greet foreign visitors at the Incheon International Airport and the Gimpo International Airport, and the city government will crack down on taxi drivers or restaurants that rip off tourists.
☆ Period: 2018.04.25 ~ 2018.05.05 (Cheonggye Plaza 5.1~5.5 / Gangnam MICE 4.27~5.5)
☆ Venue: Cheonggye Plaza, Myeongdong, Namsan, Hongdae, Gangnam MICE
☆ Event: Busking, Talk Concert, and many other performances
Sourse: THE DONG-A ILBO, Visit Korea Committee
