Korea launches `Visit Korea 2010-2012` campaign

By Yoo Cheong-mo
SEOUL, Oct. 14 (Yonhap) -- South Korea on Tuesday declared 2010 to 2012 as the "Visit Korea" years, seeking to attract 10 million foreign tourists and earn US$10 billion in foreign currency tourism revenue in the first year of the nationwide campaign.

The "Visit Korea Campaign 2010-2012," the third such national promotion following
two previous campaigns in 1994 and 2001-2002, is also aimed at further upgrading
South Korea's status as a destination for international tourists and its national
brand, government officials said.
A total of 6.45 million foreign tourists visited the nation last year and spent
$5.8 billion in foreign currency, said the officials.
In 2012, Yeosu, a scenic port on the nation's southern coast, will host an
international expo, which is expected to draw approximately 8 million visitors
from home and abroad.
At a ceremony marking the launch of the tourism promotion campaign, first lady
Kim Yoon-ok was named honorary chairperson of the organizing committee for the
Visit Korea Campaign 2010-2012.
"The Lee Myung-bak government will extend its full assistance for the success of
the Visit Korea Campaign, as well as for the development of the nation's tourism
industry," Kim said in her acceptance speech.
"Let's join forces to make our nation more attractive to international tourists.
The tourism campaign will also upgrade Korea's national brand."