Gyeongju, Korea's New Tourism Hub, Captures the Hearts of Foreign Tourists
Recently, foreign tourists visiting Korea are expanding their horizons beyond Seoul to regional cities. In particular, Gyeongju in Gyeongsangbuk-do is emerging as a new hub for tourism to Korea. In line with this trend, the Korea Association of Travel Agents (KATA) is expanding tourism exchanges with various countries.
Gyeongju is a city that preserves Korea's traditional beauty and history, and it has recently gained significant popularity among foreign tourists. According to statistics, the number of foreign tourists has increased by approximately 18.3% compared to before, showing remarkable growth. This indicates that tourism demand, which was previously concentrated in Seoul and Jeju Island, is now being distributed to Korea's regional cities.
In particular, a new travel culture called "Run-trip" has recently been gaining attention. Tourists are no longer just sightseeing at historical sites; they now prefer active travel where they enjoy running against a backdrop of beautiful scenery. This trend is receiving a positive response from young foreign tourists who value health and experience.
Furthermore, Korea is strengthening cooperation with neighboring countries such as Japan and the Philippines. Promotional activities are underway for the Japanese market to introduce the unique charms of Korea's regional cities. Tourism exchange with the Philippines is also expected to become more active, leading to expectations that more Southeast Asian tourists will visit various regions of Korea in the future.
As such, the Korean tourism industry is shifting away from being Seoul-centric toward content that highlights regional characteristics. The government and related organizations plan to continue improving infrastructure, such as transportation and accommodation, so that foreign tourists can comfortably enjoy Korea's diverse charms.