By I was surprised at first when I first read this report that Korea ranks as the 18th most visited nation by evil Yankee imperialists American tourists. Then I began to think about it that all the Korean-Americans going back to Korea to visit the homeland probably get counted as American tourists. I have traveled all over Korea and not once have I ever met an American tourist. I have ran into people from Australia, New Zealand, France, U.K. and a few other countries before, but never a legitimate American tourist.
Something else that was interesting about the report is that American tourism to Korea is in a steep decline, down by 19% in the last year with 633,000 Americans visiting the country while other east Asian countries their American tourism numbers are growing. Japan had 1,538,000 Americans visit which is up 22% since last year. China came in 10th with 1,327,000 which is up 2% from last year and up 100% since 2000. Even Taiwan ranked ahead of Korea at 16th with 693,000 Americans visiting the country. I think the numbers speak for themselves what Roh Moo-hyun and Kim Jong-il have done for Korea’s brand image in the United States.
But it isn’t all bad news because I was quite surprised that Korea even made it in the Top 20 which tied them with Switzerland at 18th. I was even more surprised the country beat out Australia at 19th and Greece at 20th on the list as well. However, the way the trend is going Korea probably won’t even make the top 20 next year.
11:05 am on November 10th, 2007 1
I know that Korea is not on the top of many American's agenda but I think another big reason that one does not see many American tourists here is the dollar dropping like a rock.
12:01 pm on November 10th, 2007 2
The drop of the dollar is in direct result of waterboarding which in turn keeps Americans away from Korea
12:32 pm on November 10th, 2007 3
Yes Kingkitty, you are right on! Waterboarding terrorists makes everyone unsafe and keeps the economy down. Bush lied, people died dude. It's all the USA's fault.
See you at Friday prayers. Oops your name is Kingkitty? Maybe you are a woman. Better wear a veil….
12:33 pm on November 10th, 2007 4
Uhhhh… guys…
You don't suppose those numbers are related to American "teachers" coming and going every three months on a tourist visa, do you?
That's four "tourists" a year.
Not so surprising anymore.
J!
11:39 pm on November 10th, 2007 5
Koomoedee must be a foreign phrase for "Im too dumb to catch on to sarcasm"
11:56 pm on November 10th, 2007 6
Korea's not a recognizable country to Americans like France or even Japan. I think most typical Americans will lump Korea with some second world Asian countries like Vietnam or Malaysia.
I don't believe all Korean Americans enjoy going to Korea, especially if you can't speak the language or your ties to the country isn't all that strong. At the very least it's a mixed experience for those guys.
4:43 am on November 11th, 2007 7
I have to agree with Chickenhead on this one but with one thing added….or should I say 37,000 reasons added. I am sure they would count the 'tourists' who are coming to visit their 'foreign deployed' soldier bf's gf's wifeys and hubbys.
Couple that with the tourist visa americans and you have your numbers because outside of KyeongJu, I have NEVER met a legitimate american tourist either.
11:23 pm on November 12th, 2007 8
Korea is not consider a vacation paradise like Thailand, Malaysia, Philippines and even southern China. Whenever I visit Korea for TDY or personal vacation, I feel very cramped and congested with environment with over population, Pollution and traffic congestion. People want to relax when they are on vacation and Korea is not a place that I can jsut relax like other vacation paradise.
5:33 am on November 14th, 2007 9
Here in the States, middle America mom and pops do not even know the differences between the North and South. They learn about Korea by watching the re-runs of MASH. They also think every Korean with surname of Kim related to Kim Jong Il. Never mind the fact that South Korea is one of the oldest and successful U.S ally. Now, why in the world would they spend their hard earned dollars visiting South Korea?
5:42 am on November 14th, 2007 10
By the way, Paris Hilton dropped by Seoul a few days ago. Picked up some sack load of cash by showing some promo events but showed up hours late on both occasions pissing everybody off. Did I also mention Beyonce also gave concerts? well, better be her than Michael Jackson.
10:35 am on November 16th, 2007 11
Chinese Cheerleaders
10:22 pm on November 16th, 2007 12
I'll bet a lot of the American "tourists" visiting South Korea each year are Americans of Korean descent who are visiting relatives. That would account for a relatively high number of tourists each year.