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| Quebec Tourism Minister Caroline Proulx, 10th from left, poses with other participants during a seminar to promote Quebec at the Novotel Ambassador Seoul Dongdaemun Hotels and Residences in Seoul, July 3. / Korea Times photo by Yi Whan-woo |
Canadian province capitalizes on success of K-drama 'Goblin'
By Yi Whan-woo
The Quebec government is stepping up a campaign for a wave of Korean tourists to continue after the Korean soap opera "Goblin" boosted interest in 2017.
The Canadian province of Quebec has had a 60 percent increase in Korean visitors, thanks to the TV drama filmed in the provincial capital Quebec City.
The provincial government, which independently administers certain affairs, including tourism, seperately from the federal government, sent a 16-member delegation spearheaded by Quebec Tourism Minister Caroline Proulx to Seoul in early July.
This was the first visit to Korea by any Quebec tourism minister, according to the Quebec government's bureau in Seoul.
The delegation consisted of travel, hotel, airport and other related experts from the private and public sectors.
The officials from the Quebec government's Seoul bureau and Destination Canada, a tourism board operating under the wing of the Canadian federal government, joined the campaign, too.
They explained how Quebec City, heavily influenced by British and French culture, gained recognition as one of the most European cities in North America.
They also shared the attractions of Canada's predominantly French-speaking province, ranging from more than 8,000 lakes to North America's third-largest river the St. Lawrence, outdoor activities, wildlife observation, seasonal festivals and gastronomy.
"I hope more Korean tourists come and are fascinated by what Quebec can offer," Minister Proulx said during a seminar at the Novotel Ambassador Seoul Dongdaemun Hotels and Residences. "I also hope they return home with a pleasant memory so they not only want to visit again but also serve as our honorary ambassadors."
The historic district of Quebec City or Old Quebec dates back to the 17th century.
The well-preserved town is filled with traces of early European settlement of North America, including Petit-Champlain known for its cobblestone streets, artisan boutiques and enchanting atmosphere, the Citadel, and the towering Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac Hotel overlooking the St. Lawrence River.
Among the outdoor activities are crossing the 83-meter high Montmorency Falls on a zipline, hiking, cycling along mountain trails, paddle boarding, kayaking or canoeing on a lake, valley or river, downhill skiing and going on a tour to watch bears and moose.
Festivals and concerts take place year-round, including the Festival Western de St-Tite, the Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival and Piknic Electronik.
Quebec is also famous for poutine — French fries and cheese curds topped with brown gravy, and produces more than 70 percent of the world's maple syrup.
