Park Seo Joon awarded Recipient of 2018 Star of Korea Tourism Award

The 2018 Korea Tourism Award ceremony was held by the Korea Tourism Organization and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism on December 11. Actor Park Seo Joon has emerged as the winner of the 2018 Star of Korean Tourism.

Park Seo Joon attained popularity and gained fans worldwide for his appearances in tvN's reality show titled "Youn's Kitchen 2" and drama series "What's Wrong with Secretary Kim".

The actor recently hit headlines with his win as the Best Actor for Hallayu Dramas Award at the 2018 Seoul International Drama Awards on September. He has also been selected as one of the recipients of the Annual Shining Beauty Idol Award at the 2018 Cosmo Beauty Awards held in Shangai in November.

On receiving the award, the jubilant actor said: "I started my acting career with nothing but the desire to become an actor, and I am happy and grateful to now be in my eighth year as an actor and be loved by many people. I have heard that not only Koreans but also many people from around the world visit places where Korean dramas and films are shot. This is a big encouragement to work in showbiz". He further stated that "I believe that I am receiving this award on behalf of all the many actors and singers who work hard to promote Korean culture, and I will continue to work hard and do my best".

Korea Tourism Organization and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism gave out 10 awards to different categories including the best cultural tradition, food, local government and person of merit.

It is noteworthy that Park Seo Joon won the person of merit for his contribution in spreading Korean culture. Previous recipients of the award include actor Bae Yong-joon, Jeon Ji-hyun, Lee Min-ho, Park Bo-gum, So Ji-sub and figure skating ikon Kim Yu-na.