Gohung Ssukseom Village Nominated for UN Tourism Organization's Best Tourism Village

A "Space of Coexistence Between People and Nature" in the Spotlight

Goheung County in Jeollanam-do (Governor Gong Youngmin) announced on the 20th that Ssukseom Village in Goheung has been selected as the official representative of Korea for the 5th Best Tourism Villages, organized by UN Tourism.

The UN Tourism Best Tourism Villages contest is a project aimed at discovering and supporting sustainable tourism models in rural areas worldwide, and has been held since 2021.

Aerial view of Ssukseom Village, Goheung. Provided by Goheung County

The evaluation comprehensively considers the protection of natural and cultural heritage, community participation, and economic and social sustainability through tourism. Ssukseom Village was selected as a representative example of sustainable tourism where people and nature coexist in harmony.

The reason Ssukseom Village attracted attention in this UN Tourism contest is because it serves as a practical model of sustainable tourism created jointly by visitors and residents. Ssukseom Village is strictly a "walking island." Cars are not allowed on the island, and it is designed so that visitors can fully experience nature only by walking. Travelers can become one with nature as they stroll along forest paths and seaside trails that run through the warm-temperate forest.

Local residents also actively participate in the management of tourism. They take the lead in promoting the island's history and culture, as well as protecting the eco-friendly marine gardens and stone walls. Various initiatives are underway to practice sustainable tourism, such as local food and village meals made with specialties like mugwort and hijiki produced in the area. These efforts make Ssukseom Village a valuable "space of coexistence" rather than just a simple "tourist destination."

Goheung County has continuously strived to ensure that Ssukseom Village becomes a "space where people and nature live together." Being selected as Korea's representative candidate for the UN Tourism Best Tourism Villages is a recognition of these efforts.

Governor Gong Youngmin stated, "Ssukseom Village is a miraculous space created by both nature and people," and added, "We will do our best until the final selection so that it can be established as a globally recognized model for sustainable tourism."