Good morning, fellow Koreans,

It is fortunate that recent rains seem to have helped ease the drought for the most part. There had been great concerns about the drought, but farmers should feel relieved now. Still, I understand they are anxious again about the rainy season.

On June 17, I embarked on a four-nation, 10-day tour of Central and South America. I visited Mexico to attend the G20 Summit in Los Cabos and Brazil to participate in the UN Conference on Sustainable Development named Rio+20. Subsequently, I made visits to Chile and Colombia.

During my visit to Colombia, we achieved the finalization of the negotiations for a Korea-Colombia FTA. Colombia has a population similar to Korea''s and is rich in natural resources. With the conclusion of the FTA this time as a catalyst, Colombia, alongside Chile and Peru, is expected to serve as a bridgehead for Korea to advance into South American markets.

The G20 Summit was filled with a tense atmosphere because of the global economic crisis. With the fiscal crisis in the eurozone spilling over into the real economy, all countries around the world are lowering their prospects for economic growth this year. Korea, too, inevitably reduced its growth forecast to 3.3 percent from 3.7 percent. Nevertheless, inflation directly affecting the lives of the working class will be stabilized to within the 2 percent range.

I am confident that we are sufficiently able to control the current crisis because our economic fundamentals have been strengthened since 2008, but the Government will never let its guard down and will continue to remain in an emergency economic rescue mode. Even though the red light is on for Korean exports due to shrinking global markets, we should not let it translate into a contraction in domestic demand. Any improvement in domestic consumption will help local economies as well as low-income families and will contribute to preserving jobs. Importantly, the impact on domestic tourism will be great.

Koreans spend seven days on average each year for vacation trips. If they spend one more day traveling inside the country, an additional 2.5 trillion won will be consumed and as many as 50,000 jobs will be created. For this reason, many businesses are recently launching active campaigns to recommend that their employees take vacations within the country. They are also joining the efforts to promote local tourism industries. According to a recent survey, more than 90 percent of office workers responded that they planned to spend their summer vacations inside the country this year. The respondents also said they will spend a little bit more.

The Government is helping low-income families travel more easily through tourism and culture voucher programs. As part of the efforts to further promote domestic tourism, the Government has improved the function of the smartphone app named, “Every nook and cranny of Korea.” I am also planning to go on a well-planned vacation at an opportune time this year.

My fellow citizens,

Amidst the recurrent global crises, all Koreans have worked really hard sweating profusely. With summer vacation season beginning in earnest, it is time to recharge ourselves. Recently, many novel sites have been added to the list of places to visit. Among many tourist attractions, I would like to put forward several places. Around this time last year, I also made similar recommendations. I felt my heart swell after hearing that many people who had visited those sites said that they didn’t have any idea that Korea had that many breathtaking places to visit. Besides those places recommended, Korea still has many hidden tourist destinations.

One good idea would be to pedal along the 1,800km-long bike path laid along the four major rivers and savor the unique, beautiful lifestyle and mood of each region. The number of people who obtained certification after cycling the whole bike path of the four major rivers has already exceeded 10,000. Foreigners’ interest in finishing the full course is also on the rise. Some Japanese bike enthusiasts have already hit the trail. This coming fall, they are planning to bike in a group along the four major rivers. Sometime next year, European and North American bikers are also expected to visit Korea in droves.  

Imjin village sitting along the Imjin River is well known for a freshwater fish, the river puffer. In Yulgok Village located nearby, there is a pavilion named Hwaseok. Yi Yi, whose penname was Yulgok, one of the two most prominent Korean Confucian scholars of the Joseon Kingdom, had discussions with his disciples there.

Hanbando Village in Yeongwol County, which is shaped like the Korean Peninsula, boasts scenic beauty created by the joining of the East and West Rivers deep in the heart of the mountains.

Around the road stretching along the Geum River is Dori Baengbaeng-i Village in Okcheon County. In the vicinity of the village is the birthplace of poet Chung Ji-yong, who is famous for his lyric poem titled, “Nostalgia.” At the time-honored Yongam Temple, built during the Silla Kingdom more 1500 years ago, you can enjoy the full view of the sunrise.

Soaring into the sky of the village of Wonchon in Jinan County is Ma-i Mountain shaped like the ear of a horse.

Along the Nakdong River in Yeongju County is Museom Village, so named because the island looks like it is floating on water. The Naeseong and Seo Streams join near the island and swerve around the entire village like a Taegeuk circle. Still left intact is an old narrow wooden bridge built long ago to link the island and the outside world.

The Gaepyeong Village in Hamyang County is reputed as a place of scholar-officials from days gone by. The village is filled with big traditional houses, pavilions and pleasantly shaded places. This is the hometown of Jeong Yeo-chang, pen named Ildu, who was one of the most prominent Neo-Confucian philosophers during the Joseon Kingdom. You will feel the noble legacies of the Ildu family when you visit his ancient home, typical of the upper-class.

The scenery of Seomjin River near the Gudam Village of Imsil County is striking because of the famous stepping-stones and the nine meandering curves.

Yeongsan River stretches more than 120km in the Jeolla Provinces and finally joins the West Sea. Situated at the tributary in Muan Country is the Haneulbaegnyeon Village. The village, which was once a mud flat, was so named because there are so many peaceful baegnyeon flowers, white lotuses, blossoming all over the area. Try walking around the lotus garden on a moon-lit night and listen to the leaves rustling in the breeze. I would say that is the best way to relax your tired body and mind.

Korea has more than 3,000 islands, of which 500 are inhabited.  People go all the way to the end of our homeland to avoid the city’s summer heat and to make unforgettable memories. Two of the most attractive southernmost places are Baek Island in Yeosu and Gageo Island in Sinan. The first one is famous for being “sculptured by nature,” and the latter for Jjakji Beach.

The Yeosu Expo is in full swing. Since summer vacations are beginning and schools are about to be out, I hope you will take this rare opportunity and plan to visit the Expo.

I know there are people who cannot afford to travel. Nonetheless, I hope everyone can take time out and enjoy during the summer time. Please take special precautions to avoid road and water-related accidents.

Thank you very much.