Jangseong-gun Aims to Become a Year-Round Tourist City... Expanding Tourism Infrastructure

Jangseong County in Jeollanam-do has set the wheels in motion to become a year-round tourist city.

According to the county on the 8th, it is focusing its administrative efforts on expanding tourism infrastructure, including the creation of the Hwangnyonggang Local Garden, the promotion of the Jangseong Wonderland Project, the installation of a suspension bridge across Jangseong Lake, and the development of the Chukryeongsan Natural Recreation Forest.

Hwangnyonggang is known as a popular flower festival destination that starts in Jangseong and stretches to Yeongsangang.

Last year's Hwangryonggang Autumn Flower Festival site. Provided by Jangseong County

In spring, the "Gildongmu Flower Road Festival" is held, while in October, the "Hwangnyonggang Autumn Flower Festival" attracts many visitors and locals. In 2023, it was elevated to the status of a national river, further recognizing its value.

Although it is beloved for its 10 billion seasonal flowers, foot traffic drops off outside of spring and autumn. To address this, the county is promoting the "Hwangnyonggang Local Garden Creation Project." By 2026, it plans to invest 9 billion won to create six gardens. This is expected to greatly expand attractions beyond just seasonal flowers. In the long term, the county aims to achieve national garden designation following local garden status.

At Hwangmireu Land, located upstream of Hwangnyonggang and featuring a loess barefoot walking trail and playground, additional water play facilities and landscape lighting for children will be installed.

The county has also reorganized its structure for managing Hwangnyonggang. It established the "Hwangnyonggang Project Office" on the second floor of the Hwangnyonggang Healing Center near Hwangmireu Land, which will be dedicated to systematic management of Hwangnyonggang and the promotion of related projects such as garden creation.

The tourism environment of Jangseong Lake, the source of Hwangnyonggang, is also set for major changes. The county is launching the "Jangseong Wonderland Project" at the Jangseong Lake Tourist Site, which has aged over 20 years. Selected last year for the "Jeonnam Balanced Development 300 Project," the county will invest 30 billion won into the site to create tourism-specialized spaces such as an art park, complex cultural space, children's theme park, and pet theme park. This is expected to drive balanced development in the northern region and revitalize tourism, with implementation planned over four years starting in 2026.

Point Garden in front of Healing Hub Garden. Provided by Jangseong County

A third suspension bridge will be built at Jangseong Lake, which is bustling with visitors every weekend. The county plans to construct a 400-meter-long suspension bridge crossing the grand Jangseong Lake. The 34-kilometer "Waterside Baekri-gil," which connects the entire lake, is also progressing as planned.

The Chukryeongsan Hinoki Forest, the largest artificial forest in Korea, will further enhance its appeal as a tourist destination through the "Natural Recreation Forest Development Project." The county plans to invest 10 billion won in the 32-hectare area of Moam-ri, Seosam-myeon, to create forest recreation centers, camping facilities, restrooms, and air-bathing areas. The project will run from 2026 to 2029, and a feasibility study and preliminary site survey are currently underway.

In addition, the county plans to establish a variety of spaces for the whole family to stay and enjoy, including the Sangmu Peace Park Complex Playground, Wood Culture Experience Center, and a forest camping site for visitors with their pets.

County Governor Kim Hanjong said, "The expansion of tourism infrastructure, which is being pursued with a mid-to-long-term perspective, will play a key role in ushering in the 'era of 10 million tourists.' We will work diligently to ensure satisfaction for both residents and visitors."