Government-sponsored tour around Gyeongnam awakens Chinese tourists to local bites

Government-sponsored tour around Gyeongnam awakens Chinese tourists to local bites

Remember the last time we introduced a group of Japanese tourists, who were recently chosen by the provincial government of Gyeongnam to tour around the southern regions of Korea for free?

This time, we would like to introduce you to our Chinese participants, who joined the program for three days since Oct. 29: He Lu, 25; Xia Huidian, 24; and Zhang Hanya, 22.

<Team China takes time for a photo at Jinju Fortress in Jinju, Gyeongnam.>

The itinerary included brief stops in Miryang, Jinju and Gimhae, all of which were traveled by public transportation.

“It’s not easy for a foreigner like me to use mass transit in a different country,” said Zhang. “But Miryang, Jinju and Seoul are all linked by train, so I think it’s easy for international tourists to get around.”

As soon as the three Chinese arrived in Miryang by KTX, they visited a famous bulgogi restaurant in the downtown area for lunch. They were all busy snapping photos as the waiter displayed the dishes on their table. In unison, all three said their favorite Korean dish is bulgogi.

<Top two: Miryang bulgogi. Bottom: A view of Miryang River seen from Yeongnam Pavilion.>

“I think foreigners would very much enjoy the rich smell of green onions and bulgogi,” said Xia. “In general, tourists know only bibimbap and samgyetang, but I want to tell my friends all about the hidden dishes of Gyeongnam.”

Next stop, Yeongnam Pavilion, one of the three main pavilions of Korea along with Chokseok Pavilion of Jinju and Bubyeok Pavilion of Pyongyang, North Korea.

A panoramic view of Miryang River encircling the downtown city area was seen from the pavilion, and all three Chinese tourists were busy taking pictures to later boast to their loved ones.

“It’s really exciting and peaceful here,” said He. “I like shopping in Myeongdong or Dongdaemun, but I surely believe many foreigners would enjoy a tranquil time like this.”

<Miryang is home to numerous Korean dramas and movies.>

Yeongnam Pavilion was the film set of MBC drama “Arang and the Magistrate” (2012), and more previously, the movie “Miryang” (2007). In regards to those facts, members of group China said they will show their pictures to their friends who are interested in Korean celebrities.

On the second day of the three-day-trip, the three Chinese took a train to Jinju. On their way, they enjoyed the signature train snacks of Korea: soft drinks and boiled eggs. Relishing their treats, they said it was a pity that transportation information in Korea isn’t widely advertised to foreigners.

<Chinese tourists lauded the excitement of using public transportation in their trip around Korea.>

Bibimbap and naengmyeon seemed to be the most popular aspects of Jinju among the three Chinese tourists, as they all ceaselessly praised the taste and visual presentation of the local dishes.

In terms of physical activities, the three visited the Jinju Fortress, toured around the Mount Seonhak Observatory and went rail-biking along the Nam River.

“I think Jinju makes an awesome place for a day-long visit, as the mountain isn’t too high and the rail-bike experience is quite impressive,” said Zhang.

<Jinju is filled with scrumptious food and appealing activities.>

The next stop was Gimhae, and the three traveled by bus to arrive at the Gimhae Hanok Experience Hall, in which they experienced how locals lived in the past. Hanok is a type of a traditional Korean house.

“I enjoyed touring around Gyeongnam, an area filled with untouched nature and traditional culture,” said He, adding that she can’t wait to tell her friends all about her trip.

Learn more about their trip at our Chinese Travel Korea-Gyeongnam Weibo page: http://www.weibo.com/gnkorea