Chinese tourists are flocking to Korea in droves, taking in Korean culture, cuisine and shopping. I was recently in Korea at a famous store in Seoul, and the information was available in Korean, Japanese and Chinese. Hotel occupancy rates are near 95 percent near the city center, with most Chinese tourists visiting Korea on a four-night, five-day trip.
Spending by Chinese tourists is expected to grow, and their spending habits have attracted the attention of many retailers.
This week’s synopses
"My Love by My Side"
Episodes 25 and 26
Tonight, 6:45 p.m.: With Jung-ja talking into her ear, Mrs. Kang is completely against Jin-gook marrying Sun-ah, and she tries to give Sun-ah money to stay away from Jin-gook. After a conversation with his father, Soryong decides that despite Mi-sol’s past, he loves her and wants to be with her. After giving her a ring, he meets with Seok-bin and tells him to stay away from his girlfriend.
Tonight, 7:45 p.m.: Yoon-jung sets up a meeting with Seok-bin and Mi-sol and confronts them about the photos in Seok-bin’s phone. Both of them deny there is anything going on between them. Woo-dong thinks Sun-ah’s crazy for wanting to remarry with her track record with men. He goes to check out Jin-gook for himself and is pleasantly surprised to find that Jin-gook is who he says he is.
"Warrior Baek Dong-su"
Episodes 13 and 14
Monday, 7:45 p.m.: Dong-su and Chun recognize each other but do not try to kill each other. Chun finds the Northern Expedition Book of War from Ji-sun and is very happy. Chun pulls down Ji-sun’s clothes and is shocked to see the tattoo on Ji-sun’s shoulder.
Tuesday, 7:45 p.m.: Yeo-woon’s betrayal and the guilt of not having saved his teacher and the Crown Prince drive Dong-su insane. To get Dong-su back to normal, Jin-ju starts a fire and puts herself in danger. Ji-sun plans to leave with the Northern Expedition Book of War. Yeo-woon finds her and follows her.
"Protect the Boss"
Episodes 11 and 12
Wednesday, 7:45 p.m.: Eun-seol confronts the two men and begs them to give her some space. Ji-heon and Mu-won decide to agree to give Eun-seol some time off. But when Eun-seol decides to be honest about her feelings, Ji-heon tell her he’s willing to give her all the time and space she needs.
Thursday, 7:45 p.m.: Mu-won runs into Na-yoon after dropping off Eun-seol and heads to a karaoke bar to console his broken heart. But he passes out after two cans of beer. Na-yoon calls Ji-heon for help. Ji-heon’s and Eun-soel’s hearts go out to Mu-won. Chairman Cha takes Eun-seol on a shopping spree.
"Scent of a Woman"
Episodes 7 and 8
Friday, 7:45 p.m.: Eun-seok follows Yeon-jae to her tango class and takes a lesson. But he tenses up when he partners with Yeon-jae to practice. Trying to give a helping hand, Veronica pushes Eun-seok into Yeon-jae. Ji-wook helps resolve Yeon-jae’s lawsuit.
Saturday, 7:45p.m.: Yeon-jae confesses her feelings for Ji-wook to Eun-seok, but Ji-wook overhears their conversation. Yeon-jae decides to pay a visit to her first crush, and Ji-wook tags along. The two end up having fun at the amusement park where Yeon-jae’s first crush works.
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Jeff Chung is general manager of KBFD TV, which televises Korean dramas with English subtitles. Reach him at 521-8066 or jeffchung@kbfd.com.
