Korea courts Western travel agents with temple stays, beach yoga, B2B networking

The Korea Times - Sep 18, 2026

In an aggressive move to expand its international tourism footprint beyond traditional Asian markets, the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) hosted top travel buyers from emerging Western and Oceanian markets for an intensive eight-day showcase aimed at developing premium, experiential travel packages. The initiative, which wrapped up Friday, brought 20 prominent travel agency representatives from 10 high-potential nations — including Spain, Sweden, Poland, Brazil, Canada and New Zealand — for business matchmaking and hands-on regional tours across Seoul, Busan, and Andong. At the heart of the campaign was the "2026 Americas, Europe & Oceania Travel Mart," held Thursday at The Plaza Hotel Seoul. The B2B event facilitated 315 one-on-one business consultations between the international buyers and 30 local entities, including Korean destination management companies, regional governments and hotel chains. For many small-to-medium Korean agencies that lack global marketing networks, the gathering offered a crucial direct link to Western markets. Unlike traditional sightseers who prioritize

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Sep 18, 2026

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Lee says he has 'no intention whatsoever' of seeking reelection

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Lee designates town in southwestern county as special disaster zone

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