Have you ever traveled abroad? Recently, when people go abroad for travel, they take a plane. InKorea the number of visitors at ‘Incheon International Airport’ has increased, because many people are going aboard. Also, university students sometimes travel to foreign countries to spend their vacation time visiting cultural places and expending their knowledge. When passengers travel the world, sometimes they pass through other countries, because of plane flight plans and stopovers. These stopover countries offer conveniences to foreign passengers. This information certainly is needed and profitable to you.
Let’s view some examples.
| In Japan | When Korean takes ‘JAL’ passing through Japan, there is only a short stopover. However, when they take a plane from another country to Korea, Koreans can stay at the ‘Nikko hotel’ with no payment. In this hotel, there are signs with the Korean language. |
| In Thailand | During national anniversaries, there are many events for foreign passengers. For example, they can stay for two days free and use domestic air services to enjoy the festivities. In addition, there is a 10% discount at duty free shop for travelers, who go by way of Bangkok. Remember, if you travel through Bangkok, when you are in the middle of your trip; you can add more miles until October 15. |
| In U.S. | America Airlines offers the use of its lounge at a hub airport at no extra payment. In other airports, where you can not use the lounge free of charge, they are extremely cheap. You can also use domestic air service and medical facilities at the airport at no charge. |
| In Singapore | When you pass through Singapore airport, you do not have an airport tax. However, this favor is possible only to people who stay over five hours in Singapore. |
Like these other countries, Korean airports are offering good services, too. ‘Incheon International Airport’ is operating a ‘free of charge Korea tour’ for foreign passengers, who go by way of Korea in order to advertise Korea. They provide tour planes, which service six courses to three cities: Seoul, Incheon, Bucheon. Depending on which course the passenger chooses, this event is free of charge or costs 30$~80$. Another event is that when visitors go to China and Taiwan, going through Jeju Island, they can travel in Jeju Island for about 5 hours paying nothing. Over 80% of all foreign tourists, who travel Jeju this way, are satisfied with its services
In this way, foreign airports and Korean airports try to come up with good services in order to make a good reputation for each country. However, Korea does not invest enough money for these events which can attract foreign passengers. In the case of changing airplanes in ‘Incheon International Airport’, it is difficult for foreigners to get services because of limited airlines. It is also hard for foreign passengers to reserve airplanes beforehand. The Korean airport does not have enough information, and does the airport staff. In addition, they do not have many chances to deal with foreigners.
These problems must be solved. Also, we have to change the way we think about foreigners. It is necessary to start finding the causes of the fundamental problems. We should make an effort to deal with the global era that many foreigners come from different countries to Korea. Then people who visit Korea can say our country is a place they want to come again.
