Consul Cheol Wan Chu, South Korea’s envoy to Guam, said despite the lingering economic crisis in the Northern Marianas, many citizens from their country still consider the islands their home and are here to stay.
He said the prospect of more Korean tourists visiting the islands in the coming months looks bright especially now that Asiana Airlines’ increased flight service to the destination.
Marianas Visitors Authority data showed that 110,012 South Korean tourists have visited the islands during the past 11 months ending in August — up by 23 percent compared to the same period last year.
There are approximately more than 2,000 South Koreans living in the CNMI.
A significant number of them are investors.
The Korean Association of Saipan said more than 700 people attended the Chuseok —which is similar to America’s Thanksgiving Day.
Koreans took the time to celebrate their culture through different dance and song numbers.
There were also performances made in honor of the Northern Marianas culture.
A group of entertainers from South Korea also performed for the occasion.
Seo Yong Yul, a yodeler, said he’s happy to join his countrymen celebrate Chuseok and expressed hope that next year will be better for the islands.
