Gyeongju Emerges as a New Choice for Foreign Tourists
Recently, the travel patterns of foreign tourists visiting Korea have been changing. In the past, travel was primarily centered around large cities like Seoul, but now, regional cities where one can deeply experience Korea's traditions and culture are gaining great popularity. In particular, Gyeongju in Gyeongsangbuk-do is drawing attention as a new center for tourism in Korea.
According to an announcement by the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO), the proportion of foreign tourists visiting Gyeongju has recently increased by about 18.3% compared to before. Gyeongju is often called a "museum without walls" because it holds many UNESCO World Heritage sites. Along with this historical value, areas like "Hwangnidan-gil," where modern cafes and restaurants blend together, are becoming a major attraction for young foreigners.
The new travel trend "Run-trip" is also playing a role in attracting tourists. A run-trip is a new way of traveling where people run through their destination while enjoying the local scenery. The experience of running among Gyeongju's beautiful historic sites provides special memories for foreigners and is gaining popularity among tourists who want to prioritize both health and fun at the same time.
Additionally, the Korea Tourism Organization is focusing on promoting the charms of Korea's regional cities to the Japanese market. They are introducing hidden local gems that are not well-known to Japanese tourists and developing products that allow them to experience the unique food and culture of each region. Through these efforts, they are working to disperse tourists who are concentrated in Seoul to various parts of the country.
As such, regional tourism in Korea is becoming more diverse and specialized. Moving forward, the government and related organizations plan to improve transportation and accommodation facilities so that foreign tourists can travel conveniently and enjoyably in the provinces, while continuing to discover unique content exclusive to each region.