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SINGAPORE : Republic of Korea Ambassador Kim Joong-Keun, can - quite frankly - give actor Bae Yong Jun a run for his money as the country’s tourism representative.
Bae, the star of Korean drama serial "Winter Sonata", is the newly-appointed ambassador for the “Korea - Sparkling” campaign but if anyone can personify the vim of the Korean spirit, it’s this genial diplomat.
With a ready laugh and easy levity, sharing reminiscences that astounded even his aides, Mr Kim talked about travelling in Korea and the Korea Festival 2008, an ongoing event that aims to improve communication between Singaporeans and Koreans.
If his countrymen are perceived as aloof, he said, it’s because they have lived in a homogeneous society for four millennia. “We are a fiercely individualistic people who are independent of mind.”
Language barrier, too, affects how Koreans interact with strangers, he said, but this is changing. English is taught at an earlier age now as more Koreans want to be fluent in the language.
In the meantime, independent travellers to Korea can rely on a 24-hour translation service. “You can go anywhere in the country and an English speaker is just a phone call away,” Mr Kim said. “Just call 1330.”
The number - details of which can be found on www.tour2korea.com - also gives visitors access to information on tourist attractions, transportation and restaurants.
To experience the essence of Korea, Mr Kim suggests a hike in the mountains, not least because they occupy two thirds of the country.
“The Rockies in the United States and Canada are like young people, sharp and tall,” he said. “Mountains in Korea are softer in comparison, more mature. Beautiful in the fall.”
Visitors can immerse themselves in the mountain experience by staying at a Buddhist temple. There, they can forget about everyday troubles and bask in the simplicity and quietude, said Mr Kim, who had stayed at a temple as a student mugging for his examinations.
“Koreans live in a densely populated, competitive society,” he said. “We want to get away, to relax.” Often in Korean culture, this includes a good amount of drink, giving rise to its strong drinking culture.
In addition to the conventional watering holes, tents selling soju , the national drink, are set up by the roadside. Anyone can walk into this boisterous, no-holds barred environment. “You can talk as loudly as you want, no one will care,” Mr Kim said.
It’s cheap, too. “Two dollars will get you to heaven.” he laughed. An alternative to soju - for those who can’t handle its rocket-fuel taste - is markoli, a milky rice wine that’s gentler on the palate.
Visitors travelling with their families can check out the jjimjilbang, public bathhouses that are like integrated resorts, said Mr Kim, because they offer spa, computer, eating and sleeping facilities in addition to a hot shower. Most are open 24 hours.
Check in a tourist and check out re-invigorated. You may even sparkle. - TODAY/ra
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