Jaunted - kp

Turns Out South Korea Is Just As Shallow As Thailand

pbb — 2008-11-17T11:30:14-05:00

After watching Thailand, India and Argentina grab all the headlines--and big-spenders--South Korea is now courting medical tourists looking for everything from cheap joint replacements to low-cost breast implants. Government officials are encouraging the nascent industry, too, by relaxing immigration rules and working with foreign hospitals so potential patients will decide to have procedures done in Korea instead of elsewhere in Asia.

On Jeju Island south of the mainland, for example, the Wooridul Spine Hospital is adding apartments, a concert hall and an art museum to its existing amenities, which include a golf course, says The New York Times. A government official says:

We believe this is a major future industry for our island. The town will specialize in medical checkups, long-term convalescence and procedures Korean doctors do well and cheaply, such as plastic surgery and dentistry.

After reading a first-hand account of one of these swanky Asian destination hospitals, we're actually considering going to have a bit of dental work done ourselves. After all, if you're gonna suffer for your pearly whites, might as well get an international vacation starring UNESCO-recognized lava tubes thrown in for your trouble, right?

Related Stories:
· South Korea Joins Lucrative Practice of Inviting Medical Tourists [NYT]
· Wooridul Spine Hospital [Official Site]
· Jeju Island to Have Foreigners-Only Medical Centers [Korea.net]
· Plastic Surgery Travel: Thailand [Jaunted]

[Photo of Jeju Island: karendotcom127]

Lounging In The Jjimjilbang Is As Cool As It Sounds

ced138 — 2008-10-31T11:30:05-05:00

The Korean Jjimjilbang is even more fun than trying to spell it. Think of it as a 24-hour Peewee’s Playhouse--but giant-size and minus the psychosexual disorder.

Thousands of Jjimjilbang’s fill Korea. They’re large, gender-segregated complexes complete with spas, pools, video arcades, massage parlors, snack bars and play centers for kids. The main draw of the centers are the heated hardwood floors, once a fixture in traditional Korean homes but forced out by the modern high rise and the arrival of the padded bed.

Since most Koreans live in tight quarters with their extended family members, the Jjimjilbang is a wholesome way for parents and kids both to retreat to their own favorite activities and get away from each other. It’s also a place for a foreigner to learn the surprising joys of laying on a hot, hard floor.

Related Stories:
· For All Kinds of Good, Clean Fun, Koreans Turn to Bath Houses [NYT]
· Learn The Monk’s Life In South Korea [Jaunted]

[Photo: IHT]

Food Festival Travel: Gwangju Kimchi Festival

amandak — 2008-08-19T09:33:12-05:00

Personally we always find that Korean pickled cabbage they call kimchi a bit too spicy, but since it's been named in a few lists of "top ten anti-cancer foods" we're trying to be open-minded. Presumably we'd be able to cure our aversion to it by visiting the Gwangju Kimchi Festival which takes place this year from October 15 to 19.

Gwanju, about three hours away from Seoul, is quite famous for kimchi and the festival does pretty much what you'd expect: Celebrates the dish in all its many forms. You can watch it being made, you can make it yourself, and you can eat a million varieties of it (give or take a few).

After four days of solid kimchi eating, you're either going to love it or hate it. But just be aware you're going to be around thousands of people who are also eating an overdose of cabbage.

Related Stories:
· Film, Arts and Cultural Festivals Draw Visitors to Korea [eTravel]
· South Korea Travel Guide [Jaunted]

[Photo: buck82]

Starbucks Alternatives: The Coffee Mill

benh — 2008-07-29T12:30:25-05:00

In Seoul, where the locals generally prefer their morning brew to be of the hazelnut-flavored and watery persuasion, finding a decent cup of coffee can be an endeavor. Cafes here are often pricey with plush, tacky decor, so stumbling upon a simple spot to while away a rainy summer afternoon is even more rare. Which is why we were delighted when we came upon The Coffee Mill.

Jin Air Genies Take to Korean Skies

amandak — 2008-07-24T09:35:22-05:00

The jeans-wearing genies have taken off. And landed.

We're talking about the new Korean low cost carrier Jin Air. Last week it made its maiden flight and now the Jin Air genies, as the FAs are called, are in full swing.

The first flight flew from Seoul's Gimpo airport down to honeymoon paradise, Jeju Island. Busan is on the route list too and in the second half of next year Jin Air will add international destinations in China, Japan and Southeast Asia. Word on the genies' magic carpet route is still to come.

Related Stories:
· Jin Air Launches Maiden Flight [Peanuts]
· Korea Welcomes the Jeans-Wearing Genies of Jin Air [Jaunted]

[Photo: manogamez]

South Korea Travel: Cheaper Than Ever (For Students)

amandak — 2008-07-18T09:35:18-05:00

Although North Korea might be a tad risky for some, neighboring South Korea is a much friendlier destination--especially for students.

If you're still in college and can get your hands on an official student identity card like the ISIC card, South Korea wants you to visit--and the country's giving out all manner of discounts to entice you.

The new "Benefits of Korea" booklet gives info on cheap student prices for Korean rail passes plus discounts of up to 50 percent on museums, restaurants and accommodations. We like the sound of these benefits and are busily figuring out how to dummy up some fake student cards!

Related Stories:
· Korea Tourism [Official Site]
· North Korea Travel: Not Entirely Safe [Jaunted]
· South Korea Travel coverage [Jaunted]

[Photo: Carrie Marie]

Korea Welcomes the Jeans-Wearing Genies of Jin Air

amandak — 2008-06-16T09:05:41-05:00

Flying around South Korea is about to get cheaper and a whole lot cooler, after the weekend's announcement that Jin Air will be the promised budget offshoot of Korean Air. Flights start on July 17, and major routes will include flights from Seoul to the southwest city of Busan, and on to the holiday capital of Jeju Island.

The powers that be were going to call the new airline Air Korea but they must've had a marketing consultant in, because they have a ton of good reasons for going with Jin Air instead. One: Jin can mean "truth" and "sincerity"--nice qualities for an airline. Two: Jin also means jeans, and that's what the flight staff will be wearing, plus T-shirt. Very hip.

And three: By extension, the airline's already calling the crew jini because it makes them sound like magical genies who can do everything.

Related Stories:
· Korean Air's Budget Arm Named Jin Air [Korea Times]
· Korean Air Gets Busy [Jaunted]
· South Korea Travel Guide [Jaunted]

[Photo: Korea Times]