Despite the government's efforts to boost tourism, a survey released this Monday by the state-run tourism promotion body shows Korea still has ways to go to improve the country's image as an attractive tourist destination. In an effort to step up tourism the government recently extended its promotional campaign "Visit Korea Year" by another year to early 2003.

A poll conducted between May and July of last year by the Korea National Tourism Organization on more than 5,200 adults over the ages of 18, from 12 countries including the US, UK, Japan and China, felt they were left in the dark about the travel aspects of the Land of the Morning Calm, although the majority of them said they were familiar with such Korean products as ginseng, clothes, electronic goods and textiles.

KNTO analysts suggest the latest survey is a good indication of what the country needs to do to spread the message that a visit to Korea can leave a memorable experience. They add if the 1988 Seoul Olympics helped put Korea on the world map for many a traveler now's the time to highlight the merits of the country's culture and history.

(Arirang TV)