[Interview with Mire Travel CEO Bongkyu Francis Nam]
Mire Travel, a tour agency specializing in European tours, has experienced rapid growth since entering the Los Angeles market eight years ago.
Despite being a latecomer to the Korean-American tour industry, CEO Bongkyu Francis Nam—who brings 37 years of experience—has established a competitive edge through differentiated services and extensive expertise in European travel.
Having started as a European land operator, Mire Travel boasts strong expertise in European travel. Rather than offering standard package tours, the company provides customized travel experiences that reflect local trends and individual customer preferences. Its unique approach to accommodations and dining has garnered high praise from travelers.
Nam’s journey in the travel industry began in 1988 when he moved to Italy to study opera. He started as an interpreter for pilgrimage tours and later ran a European tour company, introducing European travel to Korean and LA-based travel agencies for 12 years.
After settling in the U.S., he operated a travel club. However, following the 9/11 attacks, the travel industry suffered a major downturn, prompting him to temporarily shift his focus to studying traditional Korean medicine.
Despite this detour, his passion for travel remained strong. In 2016, he officially returned to the industry, and the following year, he founded Mire Travel, paving the way for the company’s expansion.
Initially a European-focused travel agency, Mire Travel has since evolved into a full-service travel company, offering tours to South America, Africa, and even South Korea.
Nam’s core management philosophy revolves around customer satisfaction. A significant portion of Mire Travel’s clientele consists of repeat customers, reflecting high levels of traveler satisfaction.
Many have traveled to Turkey and Greece more than three times. “Our biggest strength is ensuring satisfaction that turns first-time travelers into loyal customers,” Nam emphasized.
He attributes this loyalty to the company’s rigorous guide training system. Unlike many agencies that hire local guides on-site, Nam personally visits destinations to train guides, ensuring they meet his high service standards. This hands-on approach strengthens communication between guides and travelers, ultimately enhancing the overall travel experience.
Nam also believes that “food is an essential part of travel.” He personally seeks out local restaurants and curates food experiences tailored to each region, offering travelers unique culinary adventures.
One of the highlights is a gourmet multi-course meal at a Michelin-starred restaurant, priced at €140 (approximately $147), which many customers consider the most memorable part of their journey.
Korean travelers’ preferences for European destinations have expanded beyond France, the UK, and Italy to include Turkey, Greece, Northern Europe, and Eastern Europe. To meet this growing demand, Nam personally leads one to two tours each month, continually scouting new destinations.
He recommends different travel regions based on the seasons:
- Winter (January–February): South America, South Pacific, Africa
- Spring (March–May): Western & Eastern Europe, the Balkans, Turkey, Greece
- Summer (June–August): Northern Europe, Iceland
- Autumn (September–November): Patagonia, South America
“Travel broadens people’s perspectives, allowing them to reflect on life’s values and happiness,” Nam said. “It’s not just about moving from one place to another but about discovering new perspectives and the deeper meaning of life.”
With his customer-centric approach and deep passion for travel, Nam continues to lead Mire Travel to new heights, offering travelers unforgettable and transformative experiences.
BY EUNYOUNG LEE [lee.eunyoung6@koreadaily.com]
