Expectations for the Expansion of the Resident-Led Tourism Model
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Tourism Organization announced on May 7 that they are recruiting resident communities in Jindo County to participate in the 2025 Tourism Dure Project until May 22.
The Tourism Dure Project supports residents in establishing tourism businesses based on their region's unique resources and culture, and in operating these businesses sustainably. Since its launch in 2013, the project has discovered and nurtured 953 resident businesses in 142 regions nationwide.
This recruitment targets resident communities in Jindo County consisting of three or more members. Communities that are preparing or already operating tourism-related businesses, such as accommodations, experiences, food and beverages, souvenirs, or local travel agencies, are eligible to apply. Selected communities will receive up to 80 million won in project funding over four years.
Communities wishing to participate must consult in advance with Kim Eunju, the Tourism Dure Jindo PD, by May 22, and then submit an application through the official website of the Korea Tourism Organization. Further details are available on the Jindo County Office website or the official Tourism Dure website.
Jindo County was selected as a Tourism Dure region in 2024 and is accelerating tourism revitalization through resident participation. In particular, four resident businesses have completed incorporation and are actively offering experiential tourism products that combine local specialties and cultural resources.
At the Mysterious Sea Route Festival held in March, Jindo Tourism Dure resident businesses attracted attention by launching a joint brand called "Jindo Hanip." Centered around "Hongju Redford," they offered food experience programs that modernized local agricultural and marine products, such as abalone and green onion skewers, Jindo banana leaf rice, and gugija and mugwort sikhye, which received a great response from tourists.
Jindo Tourism Dure has demonstrated new possibilities for Jindo tourism by going beyond simple product sales to involve local residents directly in planning and operations.
Kim Eunju, Tourism Dure Jindo PD, stated, "The true value of Jindo is realized when it is shaped by the hands of the residents who live on this land. Tourism is not just about visiting; it is a story created together by people and the region," adding, "We look forward to the active participation of resident communities that can embody the unique spirit of Jindo through this recruitment."
Meanwhile, Jindo County plans to use the resident-led Tourism Dure Project as a foundation to strengthen the local economy's self-reliance and to create a sustainable tourism environment that preserves and develops Jindo's identity.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
