Advertising 
Chuc Linh
The Republic of Korea (ROK) is attracting growing numbers of foreign travellers. The new Year holidays are a great time to visit, offering both traditional and modern festivals. Visitors can experience the country’s chilly winter atmosphere, and see the first signs of spring. many famous folk festivals take place at this time of year, including the Sancheoneo hwacheon ice Fishing Festival, the Snow mountain Festival at Taebaeksan and many spring flower festivals to welcome the change of seasons… For fashionistas, new Year is also the start of the biggest sales’ season of the year.
The Grand Sale
The Grand Sale Season in Korea runs from December 2014 to February 22, 2015. Visitors will find excellent deals in shops nationwide. interesting shows take place during the Grand Sale, including the “Welcome & Opening Event” and the “K-Pop Festival”, which takes place on the Grand Sale’s closing day of February 22, 2015.
Hwacheon Sancheoneo ice fishing Festival
The Sancheoneo hwacheon ice Fishing Festival takes place between January 4 and 26 in Hwacheon (Ganglion Province). Here, the snow arrives early and stays late. Surrounded by snow and ice, nature lovers can fish in pristine water. Some brave souls even try to catch the fish with their bare hands. Visitors can enjoy salmon salads and grilled salmon. Many fascinating games are held at the ice/Snow Recreational Park, including sleigh rides, ice balls, eolgomiseong (skiing through a tunnel,… The park also displays amazing snow sculptures that take up to five months to create.
Taebaeksan Snow Mountain Festival
Fans of the Snow Queen will love the upbeat atmosphere of the Taebaeksan Snow Festival, which runs from January 17 to 26. Danggol Square, the main venue of the festival, is home to fantastic ice sculptures and other artworks with winter themes. Around Hagiangi lake, visitors can enjoy a Snow and Light Festival as well as starry skies overhead. Other vibrant activities include a snow stuffing contest for students and dog-drawn sleighs. Laughter and noise await at this fun festival.
Yeouido Spring Flower Festival
When the chill of winter passes and spring draws near, wild flowers burst into bloom all over the country. A spring festival allows visitors to enjoy the fine weather, admire flowers and relish traditional foods. The most famous festival is the Yeouido Spring Flower Festival hosted in Yeouido Park (Seoul) in mid-april. This festival is famous thanks to between 1,400 and 1,600 blossoming Korean cherry trees. At night, the blossoming trees are lit with colourful LED lights. A series of street performances and art exhibitions take place during this festival.
Jeju Cherry Blossom Festival
In april, perennial cherry trees in Jeju burst into bloom in the city centre and around the Jeju Sports Complex. The cherry trees found in Jeju have the largest and finest blossoms. These blossoms are at their peak for just two or three days in april. Visitors can stroll along boulevards sprinkled with gorgeous cherry blossoms and admire nature at its finest.
Tax refund procedures are quick and easy for foreign visitors. Upon departure, look for the modern Tax Refund kiosks in Incheon International Airport. Purchases of 10,000 won or more are eligible for tax refunds. This system is monitored by the Korean Ministry of Sports, Culture and Tourism. www.visitkorea.org.vn
