South Korea is an obvious option. Korea's extensive and reliable transportation network allows for travel to all major Korean cities within three hours by road, rail, or air at an affordable price.

South Korea is unarguably renowned for its globally influential pop culture, particularly in music, TV dramas and cinema, a phenomenon referred to as the Korean Wave.

As such, what Korea offers always arouses international tourists’ curiosity, which holidaymakers can satisfy by visiting the country.

Korea is now busy preparing to greet visitors for the new era of “living with COVID-19”, as the pandemic shifts to endemic.

Relaxing, visiting wonderful sites while keeping fit and healthy is what international tourists are seeking.

Preventive COVID measures are being applied to major tourist attractions. In various regions in Korea, hundreds of themed team-building programs are offered, ranging from K-culture experiences, traditional culture, handicrafts and temple stays, to village residency programs, races, performing arts, outdoor activities, water sports and survival games.

Team-building programs are offered to those who wish to experience the hands-on performance of a Broadway musical. In these programs, participants learn to play Korean beats and rhythms on the actual drums used for live performances, and each team chooses its own music and rhythms to create an ensemble. Teams of up to 30 people can participate in each session. International visitors are also fond of the Korean performing arts, most notably the musical Nanta that is now in its 25th year.

The Powerhouse of Popular Culture: A Taste of Korean Music | K-Pop Dance - Seoul Convention Bureau, RKD Entertainment

K-pop hails from Korea, and Korea offers you and your team opportunities to learn to dance in the K-pop style in the place where it all began.

The K-pop Dance Experience is a team-building program that does not require Korean language skills or prior dancing experience and helps you to dance like K-pop stars in no time.

If you have a passion for running, you can join the Running Man Game in Gwangjang Market and surrounding areas in Seoul. The 60-minute game involves 20 participants.

Despite the reduced opportunities for face-to-face cultural exchanges, the pandemic also served as an opportunity for Korean content to reach the world online.

As evidenced by the Academy award-winning film Parasite and the widely popular Netflix series Squid Game, Korean content is in high demand in the global market.

Korean TV programs are also wildly popular, with one of the most prominent programs being Running Man. Team-building programs inspired by the popular Korean TV variety show are well-received by overseas visitors. In these programs, participants have a hands-on experience of the team missions they have seen in the show.

By working their way together through the team games, local food experiences, technical tours and outdoor activities, the participants feel as if they are actually starring in a Running Man episode.

If you have a keen interest in the history and traditions of Korea, you can visit Gyeongju, home to more UNESCO-designated cultural heritage sites and artifacts than any other Korean city. It is the perfect place to experience and learn about many aspects of Korean tradition and history.

Beauty in Tradition: Experience the Korea of the Past | Gyochon Village in Gyeongju - Kim Ji-ho, Korea Tourism Organization

Gyochon village in Gyeongju offers some beautifully preserved hanok neighborhoods and Confucian schools, as well as handicraft experiences, pottery workshops, and Korean cooking experiences for you and your team.

You can choose from a wide range of programs that are designed to accommodate both large and small groups.

Near the village, you will find a wealth of cultural heritage sites, including the Wolseong Palace site that dates back to the Silla Dynasty, the beautiful Gyerim Forest and Woljeonggyo Bridge, which is famous for its breathtaking appearance at night. Bike tours are available too, providing visitors with a guided experience of the history and culture that the village and surrounding areas have to offer.

Korea is also rich in natural wonders.

Jeju Island has proven to be a haven for those who want to escape, with its treasure trove of UNESCO natural world heritage sites, including Mount Hallasan and Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak.

Above all, the most celebrated natural experience programs that the island offers are its Olle Trail tours. These 26 trails extend for 437 kilometers and take walkers on a scenic journey along the Jeju coastline in what is perhaps the best way for children and adults alike, to enjoy the island’s natural wonders.

Along the trail, you will also find a host of indigenous Jeju cultural experiences.

If crystal-clear ocean waters are more to your liking, sign up for the island-hopping tours around Hyeongjeseom Island just off the southwestern coast of Jeju Island. Indulge in snorkeling, boat rides and diving in the waters of these uninhabited islands that will provide an unforgettable experience for you and your team.

With fewer in-person meetings, all of us around the world have gained better appreciation for the simple act of “meeting up.” If you’re tired of interacting through cameras and monitors, we recommend a visit to Korea, one of the safest places to be during the pandemic.

Experience Korea’s Nature | Jeju Olle Trail Tour and Hyeongjeseom-Hopping Tour in Jeju - Kim Joo-yeon, Korea Tourism Organization

Enjoy a wealth of activities and culture in this unforgettable, and above all, safe destination.

For more information regarding MICE Korea, visit www.koreaconvention.org or contact the Korea Tourism Organization Indonesia (KTO Jakarta)