South Korea launches contest in Chandigarh to promote tourism

Chandigarh, July 19 (IANS) To promote South Korea as a tourist destination, its government is involving school students here and of nearby cities in a contest, an official said on Wednesday.

"To dispel the common myth that South Korea is only a manufacturing hub, we are showcasing its tourism potential by involving the school children," Korea Tourism Organisation (India office) Director Jong Sool Kwon told reporters here.

He said, "As part of its campaign to bring South Korea closer to the hearts of the youngsters, we are launching a quiz contest for the students and the winners will be given holiday packages."

Tracing historical connections between India and South Korea, Jong said Indian Princess Suriratna from Ayodhya went to South Korea more than 2,000 years ago and married Korean King Suro to become Queen Heo.

"Twenty-two per cent of Koreans are descendants of the Princess from Ayodhya," he said.

Tourism contributes five per cent to South Korea's Gross Domestic Product. On an average 200,000 tourists from India visit the country every year.

Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan has been the Goodwill Ambassador of South Korea since April 2014.

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