The government is planning a special task force to prepare for an expected
influx of Chinese and Japanese tourists in the country during China's Labor Day
holidays and Golden Week in Japan.
Officials from the Culture
Ministry, Seoul City, Busan City, Jeju Province and the tourism industry
discussed the operation of what they are calling an "integrated situation team"
from Friday through May 6 to improve services for such foreign tourists. China
celebrates Labor Day on May 1 and Japan's Golden Week runs from April 29 through
May 5.
The special team will monitor accommodation, tourist guides,
food and shopping and provide support to quickly solve any inconvenience or
complaints from foreign tourists.
The ministry expects an estimated
320,000 to 340,000 foreign tourists will visit Korea between April 25 and May 5,
including an expected 20,000 Chinese and 130,000 Japanese tourists.
The ministry hopes to enhance the image of Korean tourism by operating the team,
a ministry official said, adding that activities such as market vendors
demanding exorbitant prices, unqualified tour guides and illegal operation of
taxis will be part of a crackdown designed to minimize tourist
complaints.