SEOUL, Dec. 31 (Xinhua) -- South Korean Ministry of Culture on Thursday said it will work towards enhancing its tourism industry next year under the "Visit Korea 2010-2012" campaign, vowing to become the world's top 10 culturally developed nations.

    "We will transform ourselves to a top 10 culture power in the world by creating new cultural spots and events next year, attracting friends from all over the world," Culture Minister Yu In-chon said in his New Year's message.

    "The G20 summit next year and new national museums and galleries showcasing our proud history and culture will greatly enhance our national image," he added.

    South Korea is slated to host the G20 summit in November next year in Seoul and is scheduled to complete the construction of the Korean Alphabet (Hangul) Museum as well as the Modern Arts Museum by 2012.

    Under the "Visit Korea 2010-2012" slogan, the ministry also plans to host a slew of events including an international food festival, cultural education convention, and the Korean culture exhibition, with the goal of reaching 8.5 million foreign visitors next year, according to an earlier ministry report.

    "The future of the 21st century lies in our culture and we will work towards a culturally stronger, more elegant country," Yu added.

    In a report released by the Korea Tourism Organization last week, an estimated 7.8 million foreign visitors have visited South Korea this year, with 56 percent of them being either Chinese or Japanese.