There’s a hint of sadness here — a Seoul homestay owner emailed: South Korea’s MERS outbreak is over.

▲ The MERS outbreak in South Korea severely impacted the tourism market. (Photo / Dazi Images / AP)

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The MERS outbreak in South Korea caused panic across Asia and dealt a direct blow to the local tourism industry, leaving travel agencies, hotels, and homestays struggling. ETtoday ETToday News Cloud received a tip-off from a netizen who said they received a “promotional” email from a homestay owner.The email stated: “The MERS situation in South Korea has ended. Special offer valid until August 31st — just 20,000 KRW per person per night.”


▲ An email from a well-known Seoul homestay business “promoting” deals, claiming the MERS outbreak in South Korea is over. (Photo / Provided by Ms. Wu)

It is understood that the message came from an email sent by the well-known Seoul homestay “Seoul Towerville.” The email was sent to around 100 recipients, among whom Ms. Wu said she had stayed at this homestay four or five years ago and had never before received a personal email from the owner. Ms. Wu commented, “It seems Seoul’s tourism industry has really taken a hit.”

The Korea Tourism Organization stated that there is currently no data available on the exact number of foreign visitors who canceled trips to South Korea. However, to boost international travelers’ confidence in visiting South Korea, the Korea Tourism Industry Association and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism recently announced the joint implementation of the “Foreign Tourists’ Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) Peace of Mind Insurance.” Foreign tourists traveling to South Korea do not need to apply separately — the insurance is automatically enrolled upon entry. Within 20 days of entering South Korea, those diagnosed with MERS will be compensated with a 5 million KRW treatment payout. The program runs from now until September 31st.