Moon Bloodgood: Hollywood’s First Honorary Tourism Ambassador for Korea. Moon Bloodgood who is a Korean-American woman in Hollywood became the first Hollywood actor to receive the title of Honorary Tourism Ambassador for Korea. Growing up with a Korean mother, Moon Bloodgood always had a love for Korean food and a great appreciation for Korea itself. Moon Bloodgood has traveled to Korea several times, and she said that Korea is a great country and definitely one of her favorite places to visit
Hollywood’s First Honorary Tourism Ambassador for Korea
Moon Bloodgood: As a Korean-American woman in Hollywood, I’m always answering questions about my background, especially about my cultural heritage. I’m proud to let everyone know that I’m half Korean and my mother was born in Busan. Growing up with a Korean mother, I have always had a love for Korean food and a great appreciation for Korea itself. I’ve been lucky to have traveled to Korea several times in my life, and I can say from my own experience that Korea is a great country and definitely one of my favorite places to visit. When I received the invitation from KTO to become an Honorary Tourism Ambassador for Korea, I was sincerely honored but also thrilled that I was being provided with a great way to show my enthusiasm for Korea.
Whenever I’m in Seoul, I always find time to explore the city and this visit was no exception. From the moment my family and I arrived in Seoul, we were greeted by the enthusiastic hospitality of the Korean people. Right away, we went out to the streets of Seoul to enjoy the shops, the restaurants, the nightlife, and the great evening atmosphere. For me, this energy is the best part of Seoul’s charm and it always keeps me coming back for more. Visiting the city at night was a great way to start off our trip and to prepare for the exciting and eventful day ahead.
At the KTO Headquarters in Seoul, I became the first Hollywood actor to receive the title of Honorary Tourism Ambassador for Korea. Accepting this appointment was a great moment for me and my family and I was sincerely honored and humbled to receive the title. After the ceremony, my family and I were warmly received by the KTO President and CEO, Charm Lee, as we talked about the possibilities for Korea as a tourism destination and our love for Korea. Mr. Lee and I discussed our hope that with my appointment as a Tourism Ambassador, I can share my enthusiasm for Korea with people all over the US.
Moon Bloodgood travel to Korea
After my appointment as a Tourism Ambassador, my family and I were able to travel to Jeju Island for the first time. My mother would tell me wonderful things that she’d heard about Korea’s honeymoon island and I’m happy to say that when I arrived, it was as great as I had imagined. I was finally able to have a first-hand experience on the island I’d heard so much about. Seeing the beautiful views, relaxing on the clean white sand, and swimming in the cool clear water was perfect for a nice hot day on the island. One part of Jeju Island that impressed me the most were the haenyo or women divers. Their diving skills and perseverance were amazing to see and their freshly-caught seafood was delicious. Jeju Island is a beautiful place to visit and would be a perfect addition to any trip to Korea.
From this trip to Korea and my appointment as an Honorary Tourism Ambassador, I came to understand something about the image of Korea in the US. As Americans are slowly learning more about Korea, they basically see Korea as a country with delicious and exciting food. But beyond that, I hope they can learn to see Korea as I do, as a beautiful and dynamic country with tremendous respect for their country and their culture. I’m deeply proud of my Korean heritage and as a Tourism Ambassador, I promise to do my best to share my passion for Korea to Americans so that they too can experience the Korea that I know and love.
Hollywood’s First Honorary Tourism Ambassador for Korea
Credit: Korea Tourism Organization
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