S. Korean boat show set to flaunt all-out support for visitors

SUWON, South Korea, June 1 (Yonhap) -- An international boat exposition slated to start next week in a South Korean city is ready to roll out its best support for visitors, including those who are disabled or senior citizens, organizers said Wednesday.
The Korea International Boat Show will kick off on June 8 for a five-day run in waters off Hwaseong, 45 kilometers southwest of Seoul. The annual fair, which will soon celebrate its fourth year, is expected to lure 352 boat manufacturers from home and abroad as well as dealers, investors and other marine leisure enthusiasts, according to the event's organizers.
Organizers said they are making all-out efforts to roll out the best customer support for tens of thousands of visitors who are expected to visit the Korean town for the boat fair.
Handicapped visitors or senior citizens, in particular, can expect attentive preparation from the organizers during this year's boat fair, they added.



Parking lots for handicapped drivers are designated at a short distance from the exposition hall, the organizers said. Wheelchairs will be available for rent, and the organizers will also prepare shelters and restrooms for disabled visitors.
The boat show organizers added that they are ready to introduce enhanced support for other visitors as well.
They have completed safety tests for all facilities, and authorities will step up sanitary inspections at local restaurants during the boat show.
Visitors can enjoy delicious treats from numerous cafes, restaurants and other shops during the show, including a traditional Korean restaurant.
Organizers said they have sharply expanded other facilities for customer support and convenience as well.
As more visitors are expected to come this year, parking space has been expanded to nearly 220,000 square meters from about 23,000 square meters last year, organizers added.
To reduce the time waiting in a queue, the exposition hall will feature more shelters and restrooms for visitors.
Three emergency medical offices, two drugstores and about 80 rescue team members will be on standby in case of emergency, organizers added.
"We are making every effort for visitors to have a safe and enjoyable time here," said an event official. "We have prepared every measure to support the disabled visitors, in particular."
Big names in the global boat circles will attend the exposition, including Britain's Sunseekers, France's Beneteau, Australia's Bellingham Marine and U.S. boat makers Larson and Cobalt.
Companies from China, Japan and Southeast Asia are also set to exhibit their products in the boat fair, reflecting the rising popularity of marine leisure in the region.