On August 23, 2022, YRB attended the Korean Tourism Orgranization’s Discover Your Korea reception and dinner presentation at the prestigious Cipriani in New York City.
Guests were treated to Korea’s diverse culture through Korean Temple food, K-pop, K-beauty, K-drama, and Taekwondo performances by Kukkiwon.
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of the Republic of Korea and the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) hosted a series of cultural events themed Discover Your Korea to celebrate the 140th Anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and the United States of America.
The two-day celebration was held at Times Square and Grand Central Station, two of the most visited destinations in New York City with an estimated one million visitors daily.
The events kicked off at Grand Central Station where 80 lucky attendees were randomly selected to meet and receive autographs and photo opportunity with NBC’s American Song Contest winner, AleXa a Korean American singer and performer. Participants also took photos dressed in traditional Korean Hanbok attire and received complimentary K-beauty products. The exhibition featured digital photo exhibitions of over 200 Korean actors, included “Squid Game” Lee Jungjae and Academy Award-winning Youn Yuhjung of “Minari”.
Korean cuisine was also on show with Master of Korean Temple Food and Netflix’s “Chef’s Table” fame, Venerable Jeong Kwan who engaged the attendees through demonstrations, and sampling of Korean Temple Food.
In Grand Central Station and Times Square, New Yorkers were treated to a Taekwondo demonstration by Kukkiwon (World Taekwondo Headquarters), who won the hearts of onlookers as they performed amazing feats of agility and physical discipline synonymous with Korean Taekwondo.
Welcome messages were delivered by the CEO of Korea Tourism Organization, Shin, Sang Yong, ambassador Chung, Byung Hwa, consul general of the Republic of Korea in New York, and Ven Wongyeong of the Culture Corps of Korean Buddhism.
Special awards were presented to the United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA) accepted by Mrs. Peggy Murphy, vice president of USTOA, Darley Newman of Travels with Darley, and Andrew Evans of Where’s Andrew in recognition of their invaluable contributions to Korea Tourism advancement and exposure to the US market.
Performances included K-pop singer Alexa, Kukkiwon Taekwondo and a Korean fan dance performed by Woori Garak.
One of the main highlights of the evening saw Ven. Jeong Kwan giving an overview of Korean Temple Food connecting body with nature and taking time to explain the ingredients used to prepare the evenings featured meal.
“At a time when international tourism is slowly recovering, these events will help position South Korea as Asia’s top tourist destination for American travelers,”
said Jaesok Park, executive director at Korea Tourism Organization, NY.
The delegation from Korea included Korea Tourism Organization, Seoul Tourism Organization, Busan Tourism Organization, Incheon Tourism Organization, Incheon Airport, Kim’s M&T, Wow Corea Tour, Rye Tour, and eTour.
About Korea Tourism Organization
Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) is an organization of the Republic of Korea (South Korea) under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST). KTO serves the interests of Korea’s tourism economy by marketing the country as an all-season visitor destination. Fascinating history, rich culture, amazing food, and friendly people combine to make South Korea one of the most visited countries. Located in East Asia, South Korea is a country of contrasts, with tourist attractions ranging from ancient mountaintop Buddhist temples such as Bulguksa Temple to the ultra-modern skyscrapers as Lotte World Tower in Seoul.
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