Drop in won may bring tourists to S. Korea

SEOUL, Dec. 27 (UPI) -- South Korean officials hope a sharp drop in the country's currency will mean an equally dramatic rise in visitors from China and Japan.

Maeil Business News predicted a record 400,000 tourists from the two countries will come to South Korea in January. The month is a major travel time in East Asia because of the New Year holiday.

The won's value has declined 40 percent, making South Korea a relative bargain for visitors from its neighbors. The Korea Times reported Chinese often come to South Korea to buy cosmetics at bargain prices, while the Japanese are looking for natural food products such as seaweed.

Most Chinese who visit South Korea opt for three-night, two-day packages to Seoul that include visits to major shopping centers.