Mokpo City Shows COVID Recovery Amid Increasing Tourist Visits

Expectations for Revitalizing Stay-Type Tourism with Mokpo Maritime W Show and Romantic Sunshine

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Jeong Seunghyun] As a flood of tourists pours into Mokpo City, Jeollanam-do, the tourism industry, which had been in a long slump due to COVID-19, is gaining momentum.

According to the city on the 24th, since the easing of social distancing measures began, major tourist spots in Mokpo such as Daebandong Amusement Park, Peace Plaza, Gohado Island, and Samhakdo Island have been attracting many visitors. Accommodation facilities are fully booked not only on weekends but also on weekdays, making Mokpo tourism popular among out-of-town tourists.

Mokpo has sufficient tourist resources to soothe the body and mind tired from COVID-19, including the Dancing Sea Fountain and the Gohado Marine Deck.

Also, the themed Mokpo City Tour “Romantic Sunshine,” which explores history, culture, and tourist attractions, started operating on the 21st and is contributing to the increase in tourists.

Along with this, from the 22nd, the traditional hanok guesthouse Chunhwadang has been hosting the classical concert “Hanok Humanities Concert” under the theme “Family Outing to the Zoo.” Additionally, the “Saengsaeng Cultural Festival” held every Saturday at the Modern History and Culture Space, and “Toyaho” by the Mokpo Geonmaek 1897 Cooperative held every Saturday night, provide small pleasures that attract visitors.

The increase in tourists is also attributed to the city’s efforts to widely promote Mokpo’s charm during the COVID-19 period. The city has been dedicated to promoting Mokpo through media marketing, leading to filming of popular dramas such as “Our Blues,” web drama “Pachinko,” and entertainment programs like “Because I Like Godusim” and “I Can’t Help But Stop Once,” thereby raising awareness not only domestically but also overseas.

The upward trend in Mokpo tourism is expected to continue, with the nighttime tourism product “Marine W Show,” scheduled to be performed from June, anticipated to be a catalyst for stay-type tourism. Furthermore, the “Romantic Sunshine” 1-night 2-day course departing from Seoul on the last Saturday of every month until November is also expected to contribute to the increase in tourists.

A city official stated, “We will continuously develop a variety of content, big and small, that meets tourists’ needs to attract visitors, and develop stay-type tourism where tourists do not just enjoy for a day and leave but stay and enjoy their time.”