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2:27 AM Wed 27 May 2009 GMT
 | | 'The temperate south is warm and breezy all year round - ideal for the boating lifestyle.'
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There is another boat show in South Korea, this one known as Yacht & Boat Korea, scheduled for October/November and around since 2007, hoping to attract more than 200,000 people to experience the south eastern coastal region known as 'Namhaean'.
Part of Gyeongsangnam-do Province - home to Samsung, LG, Daewoo Shipbuilding and GM Daewoo, Sony and Korea Aerospace Industries - the location is exceptional for its commitment to developing its marine infrastructure.
The region is already a north east Asian tourism hub, surrounded by three sides with water and acting as a harbour distribution centre for Asia and the world.
With the avid and substantial assistance of the Korean government and local Governor, Kim Taeho the province has ambitions to become known as 'Seatopia: the dream destination of Asian boating'.
Celebrating its third year this year, Yacht & Boat Korea consists of a boat show and yacht race and will be located at Goseong, (also home to the country's most impressive Dinosaur museum and host of World Dinosaur Expo in February this year!), where a massive marina facility is underway and scheduled for completion by 2010.
Last year there were more than 1300 booths. Organisers hope to increase international exhibitors by 50% this year. They are in the process of developing a program of incentives for corporations to exhibit at the show, and as part of its business plan, have struck up a Memorandum of Understanding with the management of the Sanctuary Cove International Boat show.
According to Barry Jenkins, Manager - Events and International Relations for the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show (as well as various other 'hats' in the Australian marine industry), the region hosting Yacht & Boat Korea is certainly one of amazing potential.
'I have spent five days cruising the waters around the south coast and the area is definitely conducive to recreational boating and water sports. There is an outdoor mentality and affluence in Gyeongsangnam-do Province and they do embrace golf, mountaineering, skiing. It's an education process, but I do believe that once the people get the opportunity to experience the look, touch, feel and smell of boating, it will become a lifestyle choice for South Koreans.'
While the SCIBS template 'may not be wholly suitable' to Yacht & Boat Korea, Jenkins is confident that their model is a good fit. 'Of course it will be a gradual process, but we are working with event organisers to create the best blend of business and consumer shows for their region. Like Sanctuary Cove, the infrastructure will have to grow and develop to accommodate its needs, but the interest and the population are there.'
Crucial to the show will be its international marketing and media program, which Jenkins and his team will consult on as well. 'We will be analyzing the demographics and working out the best means of getting their message out there to international markets,' he says, adding that he is scheduled to visit South Korea next week for further talks.
More at www.yachtkorea.or.kr
by Jeni Bone
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Sellicks Hill, SA
