The tour package is only 7,000 NT dollars—what a bargain！Industry experts say now is the best time to travel to Korea.

▲MERS outbreak easing, and with prices dropping, travel agencies say now is the best time to go to Korea. (Photo / Reporter Chen Tzu-yin)

Reported by Chen Tzu-yin / Taipei

The Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) outbreak in South Korea is easing, and the Korean Ministry of Health and Welfare’s Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters has announced that the authorities will likely declare the end of the epidemic as early as next month. Andwith airline promotional strategies driving down group tour prices by over 50% compared to previous years, travel industry insiders believe that now is the best time to visit Korea.

Lin Kung-ching, general manager of EasyCard’s travel business, said that airlines such as China Airlines are offering direct promotional fares for August and September in an attempt to revive the Korean market, which has been sluggish for some time. Although the market is not expected to fully recover until the ski season in December, he believes that traveling to Korea before then is the best opportunity. Lin Kung-ching summarized the main incentives:1. Price:Although summer is usually the peak travel season with higher prices, this year’s Korea travel packages are the lowest-priced among similar products in recent years.2. Better cost-performance ratio:Local accommodation providers have lowered their prices to attract guests, so for the same tour fare, travelers can now stay in higher-tier hotels compared to the past.

Given the above, Lin Kung-ching recommends that those planning to visit Korea should do so now, especially before prices rise back to normal levels in August, September, and October. To tap into Korea’s rebounding tourism market, EasyCard is promoting the “lowest market price” with group tour packages such as a five-day Seoul trip at 6,999 NT dollars (tax included) per person, and free independent travel packages at 5,999 NT dollars (tax included). In addition, Lin Kung-ching also suggests booking early for the autumn foliage tours in October and November, as it is expected that this year’s Korea foliage tours will also be the most affordable in recent years.

In addition to national carriers, Air Busan is also launching its biggest promotion since its launch. From August 1 to September 30, round-trip flights between Taipei/Kaohsiung and Busan are available for a flat rate of 3,888 NT dollars, regardless of group size (2–4 people). To encourage travel to Korea, the Korean Cultural Heritage Administration recently announced that all four of Seoul’s must-visit historic palaces, Jongmyo Shrine, and royal tombs will be free to enter throughout July—meaning visitors can explore these cultural heritage sites without any admission fees.