[Korean Global Awards]CNN Picks Yeosu, S. Jeolla as A Must-See in Korea[글로벌경영대상]

Jeollanam-do

Jeollanam-do or South Jeolla Province is probably not a familiar location for those living outside of Korea. You’d be forgiven for thinking Seoul is the beginning and the end of trips to Korea. But Koreans would tell you, if you haven’t been to South Jeolla, you haven’t seen Korea yet.

There are many things to do and see in the province, but the locals strong recommend their beaches and shorelines. There are more than 200 islands along the shoreline of Jeollanam-do, and the area’s natural wonders are keys to its tourism.

Now Yeosu is a leading Jeolla city with a spectacular beach. CNN recently picked Yeosu as one of the “top places to visit in 2012.” And the primary reason to make the trip is the 2012 Yeosu Expo. Between May 12 and Aug. 2012, Yeosu will showcase its wonderful nature to the world with more than 8,000 events and exhibitions scheduled. Ocean-related attractions, including aquariums, oceanic performances, and the oceanic civilization museum, are the highlights of the Yeosu Expo, also, Formula 1 (F1) racing, one of the world’s most beloved sports circuits, comes to South Jeolla each year. The annual Korean Grand Prix, which started in 2010, has brought more than 150,000 people a year. This year’s race, featuring K-pop performances, is expected to attract even more spectators.

The province hosts a series of other international events, including an agriculture expo and a gardening festival, making South Jeolla an internationally attractive place.

“South Jeolla will be the major destination during the year of the ocean, and conventions and events are part of our preparations. The goal of the events is to make South Jeolla the travelling hub of Asia’s future,” said Jun Young Park, the governor of the province. “Our province is famous for having the highest happiness index in Korea. I think people from Korea and the rest of the world should look to us and see how to raise their level of happiness, too.”