Why You Should Become a Korea Travel Specialist

More people than ever before are adding South Korea to their list of dream destinations! Why? Because of the Korean Wave, or Hallyu, that is sharing this small Asian country's traditional culture and popular trends with the rest of the world through Korean dramas, K-Pop groups and more.

Travel advisors who specialize in selling travel to Asia, to bucket-list destinations or to younger generations such as Millennials or Gen Z should consider becoming a Korea Travel Specialist through the Travel Agent Academy, created in partnership with the Korea Tourism Organization!

Click through this slideshow to learn more about the program and why you should consider becoming a Korea Travel Specialist.

South Korea is quickly becoming a bucket-list destination for many travelers. It's relatively cheaper than its neighbor, Japan, and features a unique blend of the modern and trendy with the traditional and historic. There, you'll find vibrantly painted Buddhist temples, historic palaces, gorgeous mountain scenery, spring cherry blossoms and a culture all its own. And don't forget the food! With hearty portion sizes and strong flavor profiles ranging from the seriously spicy to the sticky sweet, Korean food is diverse and delicious.

Travel advisors receive several benefits when they become a Korea Travel Specialist, besides the know-how of being an expert. They'll receive two Continuing Education Credits from The Travel Institute, priority invites to FAM trips and seminars hosted by the Korea Tourism Organization, a listing as a specialist on the KTO NY Social Media page, promotional materials, a quarterly newsletter subscription and a special travel advisor discount rate at LOTTE HOTELS & RESORTS.

Travel advisors from the United States or Canada can enroll for free in the course through the Travel Agent Academy. Once enrolled, they can begin learning on their own time with the self-paced course, which is iOS compatible and can be accessed on any mobile device, so advisors can learn wherever they happen to be!

The program features three different chapters which include interactive and media such as fun pop quizzes. Each chapter ends with an end-of-chapter exam. Once the advisor completes the last exam at the end of the third chapter, they'll receive their Korea Travel Specialist title.

The first chapter is an introduction into the destination of Korea, including topical information on its food, culture, trends and more. This chapter also includes practical information about accommodations, how to get around in Korea and more. Advisors will also learn about Korea's 13 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and 21 UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity listings. This chapter includes detailed information on methods to get to South Korea, by air and by ship, along with the airlines and cruise lines that visit the country.

After passing the first chapter exam, advisors can move onto Chapter Two of the Korea Travel Specialist program. In this chapter, they'll learn more detailed information on Korea's major tourist cities and attractions. They'll learn about the capital city of Seoul and its unique attractions, such as its five royal palaces and its Hanok Villages, historic neighborhoods featuring wood-frame houses dating over 600 years old! Advisors will also get to know the experiences that travelers can enjoy, such as learning about the UNESCO-designated Intangible World Heritage haenyeo women of Jeju Island, who continue a centuries-old tradition of free diving for seafood off the coast.

The third chapter focuses on attractions you'll find only in Korea, from the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), the border that splits the North and the South portions of the country, to the country's K-pop offerings and more. Advisors will also learn about Korea's annual festivals, such as the Boryeong Mud Festival in July, as well as how travelers can immerse themselves in Korea's culture and heritage through visiting UNESCO World Heritage Sites, attending traditional cooking classes or staying in a Buddhist temple through the country's unique Temple Stay program.

Are you excited to begin learning about everything Korea? Enroll in the Korea Travel Specialist program through the Travel Agent Academy today!