Surpassing 2.12 Million Annual Visitors,
Evolving into a Stay-Type Tourist Destination
Nakdonggang Sports Park in Gumi, North Gyeongsang Province, is drawing attention as a nationwide healing destination, attracting more than 2 million visitors annually.
Throughout all four seasons, the park offers a wide-open riverside landscape, bicycle paths, convenience facilities, and unique food options, continuously drawing both locals and tourists.
According to the Gumi City Government on the 15th, Nakdonggang Sports Park welcomed 2.12 million visitors in 2024, a 25% increase compared to the previous year. Since its opening in 2012, the park has recorded a cumulative total of approximately 11 million visitors, with over 300,000 people visiting in the first quarter of this year alone.
The use of lifestyle infrastructure is also active. In 2024, there were 41,000 bicycle rentals, and more than 38,000 people used the convenience store within the park. In particular, "Nakdonggang Ramen," enjoyed alongside the riverside scenery, has become a specialty among visitors.
The park's popularity is also linked to the hosting of nationwide events. Last year, events such as the "Korea Successor Agricultural Managers National Convention," "Gumi Citizens Marathon," and the "I-League Soccer Tournament" were held in succession, steadily increasing the number of visitors from outside the region.
This is evaluated as creating a virtuous cycle that enhances the city's brand and revitalizes the local economy.
Facility expansion is also accelerating. The Gumi City Government is increasing visitor satisfaction by installing flush toilets and operating seasonal attractions such as a water park and snow park. Within this year, the city plans to invest a total of 3.4 billion won to create the second Gumi Camping Site.
The camping site will feature 50 auto-camping spots, sports facilities for children, and family experience spaces, contributing to the expansion of stay-type tourism infrastructure.
Gumi Mayor Kim Jangho stated, "Nakdonggang Sports Park is establishing itself as a nationwide complex leisure space, beyond just a simple walking area," adding, "We will continue to expand facilities and content to make it an even more attractive destination."
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