By Annie Shapiro
Contributing Writer - Korea Times - South Korea
Seen above are some of the main tourist attractions of the Dominican Republic.
/Courtesy of the Embassy of Dominican Republic |
When Christopher Columbus arrived on the Dominican Republic's shores in
1492, he proclaimed, ``There is no island more beautiful in the world.''
With miles of beaches and tropical forests, the Dominican Republic is still
an island paradise, even with the rapid modernization the nation has experienced
over the past century.
The Dominican Republic is a popular tourist destination for people from
all over the world, and increasingly so with South Koreans. For those vacationers
who are looking to get out of the cold in Korea the Dominican Republic
offers a lot for those also seeking the world famous Caribbean experience.
The ``endless summer'' climate there makes it a good place to visit all
year round.
Because the DR is the largest Caribbean Island besides Cuba, and also has
a free, democratic society, it has become a popular destination for travelers.
With many resorts in its seaside towns, it has a growing reputation for
being a family friendly place to visit.
This island paradise boasts the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean,
with hundreds of miles of pristine white sand and blue water. The ocean
paradise being the obvious reason vacationers choose to visit the DR, there
are also a growing number of reasons to make it an attractive tourist spot.
Besides hosting innumerable ocean side resorts, the island also has tourist
attractions for travelers who want to do more than just sit on the beach.
With activities such as hiking, fishing, scuba diving, and golfing, there
is a lot to explore. There are mountain ranges, and rivers and waterfalls,
and wildlife teaming in the semi-tropical forest environment. With the
biggest lake in the Caribbean, there are mountains deserts and canyons
on the island.
Besides being a relaxing place to visit, the Dominican Republic is also
known for its vibrant night life, colorful festivals, and music which has
roots in native cultures.
The capital city of Santa Domingo looks beautiful, with buildings from
the 16th century lining the streets.
Recently the ambassador to South Korea, Hector Susana, has made it clear
that the Dominican Republic wishes to strengthen its ties with South Korea,
for exchange of tourism, culture and economic growth.
A group of 10 Koreans visited the Dominican Republic at the end of November.
Accompanied by Ambassador Galvan. The Dominican diplomatic mission in Seoul
coordinated the visits to the Dominican Republic.
Recently, Ambassador Galvan was invited to supper in order for the participants
to show their gratitude for the trip. Some of the participants have also
expressed an interest in investing in the Dominican Republic. In fact,
two more trips were made, after which a decision was made to build a factory
to make luggage items. The business will begin with 500 employees but increase
up to 3000 in three years.
As for impressions of the Dominicans, what attracted one of the Korean
businesspeople was the hospitality and warm friendliness. Wherever she
went, she was received with much affection and good nature, although she
not understand Spanish. Secondly, unlike Korea, products in the Dominican
Republic are available at reasonable prices.
The South Korean tourists were impressed by the various restaurants they
visited on the beach at Boca Chica. Sport enthusiasts also enjoyed the
opportunity to play golf in La Romana and Santo Domingo.
American and European tourists have flocked to this island for many years,
increasingly so with heightened economic growth. Now the island is becoming
more well known in South Korea as well.
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