Cheongsong County in North Gyeongsang Province is launching a full-scale "Individual Tourist Incentive Support Program" to revive its tourism industry, which has been stagnant due to a recent large-scale wildfire, and to inject new vitality into the local economy.
As a result of the wildfire, Cheongsong saw a significant blow to its local tourism industry and overall economy. Spring festivals and various events were canceled one after another, and there was a growing perception that visiting the wildfire-affected areas might be a burden, leading to a sharp decline in tourist visits.
In response, Cheongsong County is launching a campaign under the slogan "Travel is Donation," delivering the message that tourism marks the beginning of local recovery and working to attract visitors. The existing travel agency incentive program, which focused on group tourists, will be expanded to provide a variety of benefits to small groups of individual tourists, including friends, families, and former residents.
The support period runs from April to December and will continue until the allocated budget is exhausted. Anyone residing outside the county is eligible to apply.
Teams of two to five people who visit at least two tourist attractions in Cheongsong and post proof on social media will receive a package of local specialty products worth 20,000 won for spending 70,000 won or more, and a package worth 40,000 won for spending 140,000 won or more.
County Governor Yoon Kyunghee stated, "Through this incentive program and various other initiatives to revitalize tourism, we will do our utmost to attract domestic and international tourists and help Cheongsong's tourism regain its vibrancy." He added, "I hope many people will visit Cheongsong, the Oxygen Cafe, and send their warm support."
Juwangsan National Park partially reopened the highly visited Daejeonsa to Yongchupokpo section on April 24. Currently, major trails such as Daejeonsa and Yongchupokpo are safely accessible. From May 1, with the exception of the Janggunbong to Geumeungwang-i Samgeori section, the Woeoeri Dalgipokpo section, and the Woeoeri Neogu Village to Geumeungwang-i Samgeori section, most areas will be open, allowing visitors to explore the rejuvenating landscapes of Juwangsan National Park, where new life is emerging even after the wildfire.
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