NEW YORK, NY (September 4, 2008) – American Express Publishing Corporation president and CEO Ed Kelly announced today the launch of Travel + Leisure in South Korea, the seventh international edition of the world’s leading travel magazine and its growing global network. Published by The Daily Focus, based in Seoul, Korea, Travel + Leisure Korea will debut with a September 2008 issue and a monthly frequency.
“Nearly 14 million people traveled overseas from Korea last year, a figure, according to the Korean Tourism Office, that is predicted to rise,” said Kelly. “We’re pleased to offer this growing group of travelers their own local edition of Travel + Leisure.”
So-Young Joo has been named editor of Travel + Leisure Korea. Joo, who has served as managing editor of Asiana and We magazines, will be responsible for all local content, as well as adapting or tailoring select content from the US edition for the Korean market.
“Consumers in Korea are becoming increasingly more knowledgeable and sophisticated about travel, presenting the perfect time to offer Travel + Leisure’s well-respected and award-winning editorial to our readers,” Joo commented.
Nancy Novogrod, senior vice president and editorial director of American Express Publishing and editor in chief of the US edition of Travel + Leisure, will provide editorial direction for this new edition.
“Travel + Leisure Korea underscores the global reach of the T+L brand and the similarities in tastes and interests shared by committed travelers throughout the world. As with all our international editions, it will no doubt provide my editors and me with a better understanding of Korea and its role within Asia,” Novogrod commented.
Mark Stanich, chief marketing officer for American Express Publishing Corporation, who also overseas the international business said, “Travel + Leisure continues to expand globally by strengthening our international franchises in select growing markets. Our Travel + Leisure brand aligns extremely well with a growing number of Korean consumers who value travel and new cultural experiences. We look forward to working with The Daily Focus, who is a very innovative partner, to meeting the needs of this new readership and to optimizing the flourishing local advertising market.”
With the introduction of Travel + Leisure Korea, American Express Publishing expands its international stable to 21 foreign editions in ten languages. Travel + Leisure Korea joins Travel + Leisure Southeast Asia, Travel + Leisure South Asia, Travel + Leisure Mexico, Travel + Leisure Turkey, Travel + Leisure Australia, and Travel + Leisure China, as well as Departures Japan, Departures Russia, eleven editions of Departures Europe, and Food & Wine China.
