Gangneung City Initiates Entry into the 'World's Top 100 Tourist Cities'

Additional 14 Billion KRW Investment in Core Projects of Gyeongporyeon
Successful Hosting of Major International Events and Revitalization of Foreign Tourist Attraction

[Asia Economy Reporter La Young-cheol] Gangneung City, Gangwon Province announced on the 25th that it will "actively promote the tourism hub city development project, including the creation of regional landmarks, aiming to become a smart tourism city throughout the four seasons."

2022 London International Tourism Expo Site
Photo by Gangneung City

According to the city, this year, an additional 14 billion KRW will be invested in 22 detailed projects such as Gyeongpo Fantasy Lake, Ojukheon traditional boating, Gangneung Travel Lounge establishment, Gangneung tourism brand performances, and media performances.

Due to the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic changing the conditions of the tourism industry and the government's re-examination of the appropriateness of project plans, the process took some time. However, following the approval of the cultural heritage status change in the Gyeongpo area at the end of last year, this year the focus will be on executing key core projects and strategic projects in the Gyeongpo area.

Currently, 16 leading projects are underway, including nightscape improvements of Ojukheon and Wolhwa Street, maintenance of healing beach walking trails, and the establishment of a tourism website for foreigners (Visit Gangneung).

Additionally, 49 detailed projects are included, such as operating the Gangneung city bus, running tourism-type autonomous vehicles, installing fountain lighting on Wolhwa Bridge, the Gangneung Noodle Festival, global marketing, and operating a free shuttle bus to Yangyang International Airport.

As a result of promoting the tourism hub city development project, compared to 2020, last year showed visible effects with increases in major performance indicators: ▲external visitor growth rate (6.45% increase) ▲proportion of foreign tourists nationwide (4.7% → 5.6%) ▲number of domestic tourists (6.4% increase) ▲overseas recognition (38.9% → 40.6%) ▲tourism destination search volume (5.6 million → 6.4 million) ▲proportion of accommodation visitors (19.1% → 19.5%).

Meanwhile, the city plans to promote the successful hosting of major international events such as the 2023 Gangneung World Choir Competition, the 2024 Gangwon Youth Winter Olympics, and the 2026 ITS World Congress, as well as to revitalize the attraction of foreign tourists through the creation of a globally competitive tourism hub city.

A city official stated, "Through the successful promotion of the global tourism hub city development project, we will enhance the brand value as an international tourism city and do our best to enter the world's top 100 tourist attractions and top 100 tourist cities."