In front of more than 200 tourism industry leaders and students, President Lee emphasized the importance of the industry to economic growth.

The ministry's goal is to attract 10 million tourists annually to Korea by 2012. On the ministry's agenda is constructing an effective partnership focusing on private organizations and easing taxes and regulations.

Those building a tourism district will get authorization in just 10 months, nearly a quarter of the previous 37 month-long wait. Other plans include constructing a high-yield industry and adopting advanced marketing strategies.

Marketing plans include promotions targeting the Chinese market. For three months this summer, during the Beijing Olympics, Chinese and Korean nationals won't need a visa to travel between the two countries and specialized travel packages will be launched for Chinese and Japanese tourists.

The successful "Korea, Sparkling" campaign, which emphasizes the harmony of tradition and the current high-tech economy, will be upgraded and run again from 2010 through 2012.

The ministry predicts that tourism revenue could increase to US$13 billion by 2012, a huge rise when compared to almost $6 billion in 2007. And, if well executed, these changes will lower the traveling cost tourists will incur to enjoy their stay in Korea.

Arirang News