Analysis of the Factors Attracting Foreign Tourists to South Korea, with Emphasis on the Visual Media and Mass Communication

Abstract. Tourism is generally considered to be a recreational vacation. Organized tourism nowadays is an important industry in the whole world because it creates jobs and increases income, thereby leading to economic development of the country. In this paper, while presenting factors that attract foreign tourists to South Korea, it’s attempted to analyze major factors that cause the differentiation of South Korea from other countries. Among factors affecting the attraction of foreign tourists to South Korea, we can mention the following: nature, culture, historical monuments, recreational places, advanced technology, and visual media and mass communication as the most important factor, the last mentioned factor can be regarded as the distinctive characteristic of South Korea compared to other countries. Koreans have been able to take advantage of the visual media and mass communication, art and artists, and applying innovation and creativity to attract more tourists and therefore contribute to the development of their country's economy. For example, by producing diverse TV dramas, culture, civilization, natural beauties, recreational and historical places of their country, Koreans show themselves to the world with a managed style and motivate tourists to travel to their country.

___

  • Rezaian, A., 2011, Fundamentals of Organization and Management, Fifteenth Edition,
  • Tehran, Samt publications Gharanejad, H., 2007, Introduction to tourism development and hospitality, First Edition,
  • Isfahan, Islamic Azad University of Najaf Abad publications Wikipedia, (2015), South Korea, retrieved on April 7, 2015
  • Wikipedia, (2015), tourism, retrieved on April 7, 2015
  • Hamshahri online website, (2007) introduction to South Korea, website, retrieved on April 4, 2015
  • Website of South Korea lovers (2012), South Korea Tourist Attractions, website, retrieved on April 4, 2015
  • Persian Gulf Studies Center website (2015), the definition and importance of tourism, website, retrieved on March 30, 2015
  • Wikipedia , (2015), Tourism in South Korea, Retrieved on April 5, 2015