• Proceedings of the Korean Institute of Landscape Architecture Conference
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• 2015.03a
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• pp.46-47
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• 2015

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Landscape Architecture
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• v.44 no.4
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• pp.66-74
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• 2016

In what way is the urban landscape of North Korea used today, and what features do people prefer in the North Korean landscape? This study analyzed the characteristics of Pyongyang landscapes and their effects, based on an analysis of Western tourists motivation for tourism in North Korea and preferred enjoyment-seeking experiences. Using data from the tourist agency specializing in Western tourism in North Korea and a location based photo-sharing service, the study interprets the visual distinctiveness of Pyongyang landscape. The study concluded that widely known risk to travelers in North Korea is in fact an attraction, making people want to visit directly. However, this risk was mitigated in practical experience by the overall intermediation of the tourism agency and locals' conscious behavior to keep their distance from foreigners. Next, the scope of National ritual attributes was expanded to the locals' daily life as well as large-scale events such as mass games and military parades only if for national holidays. Also, the most preferred factors contributing to North Korean tourism were based on departure from routine through mobilization of the residents. This indicates the extension that the nature of North Korea as a theater state. The Pyongyang landscape represents a world politically isolated, people's congregated motion to display to the world, and people's lives hidden beneath a veil. These visualities fulfill the fantasy of Westerners regarding North Korea. Furthermore, these are superficial images that help create a basis to maintain the North Korea regime.

• International Commerce and Information Review
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• v.16 no.3
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• pp.307-329
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• 2014

Medical tourism involves patients intentionally leaving their home country to access non-emergency health care services abroad. Growth in the popularity of this practice has resulted in a significant amount of attention being given to it from researchers, policy-makers, and the media. Yet, there has been little effort to systematically synthesize what is known about the effects of this phenomenon and key choice factors. This study seeks to figure out, using conjoint analysis, what factors Chinese medical tourists place importance on maximizing utility when selecting their destination and propose selection attributes that can lure medical tourists to Korea. Results showed that, of destination attributes, medical technology competitiveness proved be the most important and of lower levels, international accreditation proved to have the highest utility. This article presents the findings of valuable insights to medical institutions, travel agencies and related firms in their marketing activities.