By Diplomacy Journal Kayla Lee
Nine foreign promoters of Korean culture on Jan. 7 visited Muju-gun County, Jeollabuk-do Province, to get a taste of the country's winter, the Korea.net reported.
Korea.net Honorary Reporters and K-influencers shared their experience in a snowy landscape despite the cold temperature of below 0 degrees Celsius.
The nine were divided into two teams, with one group going to Muju Deogyugsan Resort to hit the slopes. Though it was a weekday, the venue was filled with the visitors' energy.
Those trying skiing for the first time quickly adapted thanks to expert guidance from the instructors and smiled while skiing down the slopes. K-influencer Kavya Sudesh Kumar from India said, "At first, I was very scared but after falling a few times, I gained confidence."
According to the Korea.net report, the other group headed to Muju Meoru Wine Cave, which was warm and cozy unlike the bitterly cold outside. The members sipped wine and took foot baths in the drink to rest.
Honorary Reporter Aiyanyo Titi from Nigeria gave a thumbs up, saying, "The wine foot bath was a truly a relaxing and healing experience."
After finishing their morning schedules, the two teams reunited at Taekwondowon, the world's sole professional taekwondo complex offering activities such as competitions, interactive programs, training, education, research and global exchange in the martial art.
The nine members visited the National Taekwondo Museum to learn about the style's history and globalization.
The group at the observation deck saw a spectacular panoramic view of the surrounding mountains. They took a monorail to get to the observatory 560 m above sea level and oohs and ahhs followed after seeing Taekwondowon's size, which is about half of Seoul's Yeouido neighborhood.
The day ended with a "healing taekwondo exercise," based on which the group learned basic taekwondo movements and exercises. Through this, they rediscovered the appeal of taekwondo, which goes beyond mere martial art and sport in healing body and mind.
The program was part of the Korea Grand Sale, the country's largest shopping and tourism festival running from Jan. 15 to Feb. 28. The event offers cultural programs in five provincial areas: Muju-gun; the cities of Gangneung and Taebaek and Hwacheon-gun County in Gangwon-do Province; and Andong, Gyeongsangbuk-do Province.
The sale's official website (koreagrandsale.co.kr) offers discounts on cosmetics and beauty, K-pop, Hansik (traditional food), domestic heritage and performing arts. Businesses in sectors such as air travel and transportation, shopping, lodging, food and beverage, beauty, health, interactive programs and convenience services will help ensure convenient shopping and tourism for visitors to Korea.
