Ulleungdo, which had previously faced controversy over fatty pork belly and overpriced services, saw a resurgence during the Chuseok holiday. Despite continued inclement weather, more than 10,000 people visited Ulleungdo, signaling a new beginning for "Tourism Ulleung."
According to Ulleung County on October 9, a total of 13,085 visitors traveled to Ulleungdo during the golden holiday period from October 3 to October 8. Local media reported that the island regained its vibrancy as both returning residents and tourists flocked to the area.
Gyeongbuk Ilbo stated, "According to the tally, 4,514 tourists visited Ulleungdo via Gangneung and Mukho Ports in the Seoul metropolitan area, while 8,571 returning residents and tourists used the Pohang sea route." The outlet added, "This holiday period was more than just a tourism boom; it served as an opportunity for the local economy, once dampened by a negative image, to reinvent itself as 'Friendly Ulleungdo.'"
The media also reported that the restaurant districts around Dodong Port, Jeodong Port, and Sadong Port in Ulleung-eup were bustling with customers throughout the holiday. In particular, tourists expressed high satisfaction with the improved attitudes of merchants who had implemented voluntary price checks and participated in hospitality campaigns following the recent controversies. Ulleung County Mayor Nam Han-kwon reportedly greeted each tourist during the holiday period and personally inquired about any inconveniences.
Gyeongbuk Maeil Newspaper, citing the local tourism industry, reported that "from the beginning of the holiday, ferry tickets were sold out early, and every ferry was fully booked each day." According to Gyeongbuk Maeil Newspaper, from October 3 to October 8, 4,514 tourists visited Ulleungdo via Gangwon Province's Gangneung and Mukho Ports, while 8,571 returning residents and tourists used the Pohang sea route.
Last summer, Ulleungdo's tourism image was damaged by repeated incidents of price gouging at some businesses and excessive taxi fares. In response, Ulleung County launched a large-scale "Hospitality Tourism Campaign," involving Mayor Nam Han-kwon, public officials, county council members, and related organizations, to restore trust with tourists. The county conducted special hygiene inspections targeting food and public sanitation businesses and strengthened its overall service management system to improve the quality of tourism services. These efforts have led to tangible results. Although the number of visitors has decreased by 6% compared to last year, cumulative tourist numbers this year have shown a steady increase, with 210,000 in July, 257,000 in August, and approximately 280,000 as of September 25.
In preparation for Chuseok, Ulleung County installed "Ulleung Ulleung Heart Boxes" at its three passenger terminals to enhance communication with tourists. The county is also implementing various policies to improve visitor convenience, such as checking transportation and accommodation facilities and creating a clean tourism environment.
Ulleung County Mayor Nam Han-kwon held a Tourism Reception Readiness Improvement Campaign at Jeodong Port on August 5, stating, "I would like to thank everyone who trusted and visited Ulleungdo, and I will make renewed efforts to ensure that Ulleungdo becomes a friendly and trustworthy destination for tourists. I promise to provide an even more transparent and responsible tourism environment in the future." On September 25, ahead of Chuseok, he also issued a separate statement saying, "By uniting the hearts of our residents, we will create a new Ulleung that people want to revisit, and we will do our utmost to make Ulleung the best tourist island in Korea."
Meanwhile, starting next year, tourists visiting Ulleungdo during the winter season will receive up to a 70% discount on ferry fares. The revised ordinance bill on "Support for Ferry Fares in Island Areas of Gyeongbuk Province," sponsored by Gyeongbuk Provincial Assemblyman Nam Jin-bok, recently passed the provincial assembly's plenary session. The amended ordinance provides substantial ferry fare support to visitors to Ulleungdo.
When the spouses, direct relatives, or siblings of military personnel serving in Ulleungdo visit for a family visit, they will receive fare support equivalent to that provided to Ulleung County residents. During the off-peak tourism season, from December 1 to the end of February of the following year, all tourists visiting Ulleungdo may receive up to 70% off their ferry fares.
According to the ordinance, from next year, ferry fare support will be provided using both provincial and county funds.
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