ID :
98867
Fri, 01/08/2010 - 18:07
Auther :

SOUTH KOREA LACKS LAND BUT NOT ATTRACTIONS

By Samsuddin Putih

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 8 (Bernama) -- "Land is Life". Signboards carrying this
slogan can be seen all over South Korea, one of the developed nations in Asia.

Covering an area of 100,032 square-kilometer and with a population of
45 million, South Korea with its mountainous landscape is running short of land
for farming and industrial activities.

The signboard is a reminder on how important is land for the nation.

To overcome this problem, South Korea has been contemplating various options
including the reclamation of sea to develop residential and industrial areas,
and for other purposes.

The nation encourages its people to maximise land utilisation, including the
areas surrounding the capital city of Seoul by planting with crops for domestic
consumption.

At the fringes of this highly developed city, visitors can see rows of
vegetables planted by locals. Even along the highway from Seoul to the town of
Itaewon, visitors will be mesmerised by the rows of greenhouses and paddy fields
amidst modern buildings.

The agricultural activities there utilise advanced technology with almost
all the farmers adopting the technology, thanks to the efforts of South Korea's
Rural Development Ministry.

The undulating landscape provides an excellent panorama, especially during
spring and fall and this is what attracts tourists from Asean nations that
do not have changing seasons like this.

"South Korea welcomes visitors from Asean," noted a senior officer of the
Korea Tourism Organisation to a group of media practitioners from Asean member
states who paid a visit to his office in Seoul recently.

Jeju Island, for example, one of the most beautiful islands in the world is
often the venue for international seminar and conferences and is at the top of
the nation's tourism promotion list.

The leisure island that emerged from volcanic activities is a well known
honeymoon destination and declared as a World Heritage Site by Unesco. As for
Koreans, it is the place for romantic escapade after their wedding.

Apart from its rich nature and vast blue sea, the island also produces
numerous plants and fruits including a citrus fruit that is liked by many. Those
visiting the island are bound to be mesmerised by the sight of the citrus
plantations with the fruits glittering when they are in season.

He noted that other than attractive destinations, South Korea has numerous
gastronomical delights to offer to its guests. Many of its tantalising delights
are not only to please the palate but for good health as well.

With its cities known for their cleanliness, public amenities and safety at
open spaces, South Korea serves as a worthwhile destination to unwind and shop.

Visitors to South Korea go for the Korean silk and brooch.

The riverbanks are alluring, with recreational parks and sports facilities
to be used by locals and foreign visitors.

Those visiting Seoul will be fascinated by the sight of the old fort and the
royal palace that has been well preserved. This historical relic is among the
main attractions in the nation that is also known as the `Land of the Morning
Calm'.

The secretary general of the Asean-Korea Centre (AKC) Young Jai Cho when met
by the media practitioners noted that South Korea views Asean, with a total
population of 580 million, as a viable market for its products like electronics,
pharmaceuticals and automotives.

As South Korea lacks land and natural resources, the nation depends on
industrial exports to finance development and fulfill the people's needs.

But due to space constraints, South Korean companies have set up their
manufacturing outlets outside including in Asean member nations.

Therefore, South Korean companies are creating employment opportunities in
the respective Asean member states and at the same time are transferring
technology.

In Malaysia, for example, South Korean companies are opening up numerous
manufacturing plants, including in the automotive sector, that opens up
opportunities for the locals.

Other than receiving tourists, South Koreans who enjoy high standard of
living also go on foreign tours.

Malaysia and other Asean member states are top on their list. When comes to
Malaysia, Koreans are impressed with the multiracial setup, the rich cultural
diversity and nature.

If there is anything that Asean member states can learn from South Korea, is
how they can effectively utilise their vast land area to uplift the living
standards of their people.
-- BERNAMA

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