Korea Tourism Organization has this week raised the bar on capturing Australian interest in tourism to the country by venturing into the streets of Sydney and Brisbane. To capitalize on increased interest in Korea in recent months a high profile city street poster campaign has been launched in both Sydney and Brisbane.

The street poster advertisements from the recently launched ¡®Korea, Sparkling¡¯ campaign are attracting much interest in Sydney and Brisbane. The poster images symbolize the energy and passion of the Korean people, Korea¡¯s colourful personality and its creative culture. ¡®Korea, Sparkling¡¯ embodies the vitality and enthusiasm that can only be experienced in Korea and it evokes the powerful emotions and dynamism of the Korean people and culture.

It is expected that the ¡®in your face¡¯ street posters will capture interest from a different viewpoint following on from Korea Tourism Organization¡¯s extensive Foxtel television and print advertising campaigns. Numbers of Australian visitors to Korea have increased over recent months with the January to April period recording an increase of 18.6% over the same period in 2006. Last year almost 70,000 Australians visited Korea and it is expected more and more Australians will travel to Korea in coming years. Korea is seen as somewhere unique and different in Asia and its vibrant cities and culture are attracting young visitors as well as old.

There is growing interest in Korea¡¯s cuisine in major Australian cities and more and more people are learning about Korea through its unique and varied cuisine. A recent survey of foreign visitors to Korea found that Korean food was the number one motive for traveling to the country. The Sydney office of Korea Tourism will participate in the upcoming Sydney Good Food & Wine Show from 15-17 June giving away samples of Korean Kimchi and educating visitors to the show about Korean cuisine and culture. The advertising campaign offers all respondents a free copy of the 230 page full colour Korea, Sparkling Travel Guidebook. The very detailed guide to Korea will assist interested travelers to Korea to better plan their visit. The guidebook includes information on Korea¡¯s history and culture, UNESCO World Cultural Heritage sites, the unique flavours of Korea including experiences like the Templestay program, taekwondo, festivals, food, shopping and entertainment.

Practical information like transportation, a great variety of accommodation for all tastes and budgets and handy facts are included. The Korea, Sparkling Travel Guidebook can be obtained free of charge by contacting the Sydney office of Korea Tourism Organization