South Korea’s top industries and offerings

Last May 21 to 25,  the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) Manila hosted a five-day familiarization tour for female journalists from Asia and the Middle East.

Dubbed “Lady’s Special”, the invited press were taken to new tourist spots in Seoul and destinations in nearby cities that showcase the best of South Korea’s top industries and offerings such as K-beauty, K-Pop, and, of course, food and liquor.

Photos courtesy of Bernice Sibucao.

GEONBAE!

Four hundred clay pots containing traditional Korean rice liquor are housed at Sansawon Brewery and Museum. Each pot contains 600 liters of liquor with varying alcohol percentages.

Sansawon Brewery and Museum was established by the Baesangmyun Brewery, one of the biggest craft brewing companies in South Korea. The gallery serves as a center for locals and tourists to learn more about how traditional Korean liquor is produced and how it fits into South Korea’s culture and history.

MAKE A WISH

This liquor pot stands out from the rest with letters adorning its exterior. Part of a traditional Korean liquor festival is writing memories, prayers, and wishes on a small sheet of paper and then attaching it to the pots.

ART AND NATURE

What was once a granite quarry site in Pocheon City is now an eco-tourism hub. The management of Pocheon Art Valley made good use of the abandoned mining area by erecting sculptures, paintings, and other art works. They also built an observatory, an outdoor stage for performances, and this picturesque man-made lake.

A TRADITIONAL KOREAN MEAL

Grilled mackerel and vegetable side dishes fresh from the mountains of Gyeonggi-do make for a sumptuous, guilt-free lunch.

A MECCA FOR K-POP FANS

This is what SM Entertainment’s SM Town@coexartium is all about. SME is one of the biggest entertainment companies in South Korea responsible for hit boy bands such as EXO, SHINee, TVXQ!, and Super Junior. They built the SM Town@coexartium as a one-stop shop for fans who want to buy K-pop merchandise, take photos in their artists’ gallery, and watch a concert in their surround view theater.

K-BEAUTY PIONEER

A decade of cosmetic product print ads is ready for viewing at Amore Pacific’s Story Garden. Amore Pacific is the leading cosmetic company in South Korea. Some of their popular brands include Sulwhasoo, Innisfree, Laneige, and Etude House. Through a visual walking tour, Story Garden visitors can learn more about the company’s history and contributions to the Korean cosmetic industry.

A LEGACY K-BEAUTY BRAND

The roofdeck cafe of Sulwhasoo’s Flagship Store and Spa is a treat for loyal customers. Here, customers can purchase Sulwhasoo products, join a make-up tutorial, or enjoy a spa treatment. The store’s lantern-inspired design is an interesting feature as well, with gold wires forming intricate patterns.

SELFIE WITH OPPA

There’s no need to fly out to France to visit this popular wax museum. Grevin Museum Seoul is the French wax museum’s first branch in Asia. Wax model of Hollywood celebrities, historical figures, and world leaders are some of the exhibit staples. But to pay homage to South Korea’s celebrity culture, the museum also displayed wax models of Korean idols like G-Dragon, Lee Min Ho, and Kim Soo Hyun.

NOT FOR THE FAINT OF HEART

You can view the bustling city of Seoul from Lotte World Tower’s observation deck, putting you 486 meters above it. Lotte World Tower is the 5th tallest building in the world. Your journey to the top will be a feast for the eyes as visual art installations are displayed on each floor and even on the elevator ride.

SUNSET ALERT

Lotte’s new luxury hotel, Signiel, offers one of the best sunset spots in Seoul. Korea Tourism Organization culminated their five-day "Ladies’ Special" familiarization tour at Signiel’s banquet hall which offers such view. — AT, GMA News