"It's Not Jeju or Busan"... The Most Visited Destination During the Golden Holiday?

Increase in Family and Foreign Tourist Visits Noted
Gangneung Most Visited During Family Month Holiday Period

On the afternoon of the 3rd, the area around Anmok Beach in Gangneung City, Gangwon Province, was bustling with crowds. Photo by Yonhap News

During the May family month holiday period, Gangneung was found to be the most visited travel destination by tourists.

On May 9, the Gangneung City Government announced that a total of 880,000 tourists visited Gangneung during the golden holiday period. The main reason is believed to be the concentration of family-oriented tourism demand, as Family Month coincided with the substitute holiday for Children's Day.

During the golden holiday period, the city held a variety of cultural events across Gangneung, including a musical performance at the Gangneung Art Center, traditional culture experiences at Seongyojang, coffee experiences at the Anmok Travel Center and Yeongok Solhyanggi Camping Site, and Children's Day events, so that all generations could enjoy together.

One particularly notable change was the increase in demand from foreign tourists. According to the "May Golden Holiday Foreign Tourist Destination Reservation Rankings" announced by global travel platform Trip.com, Gangneung City rose two places from 10th last year to 8th this year.

This is attributed to a combination of factors, including the popularity of K-content, the natural scenery that features both the sea and mountains, and improved accessibility.

Eom Geummun, Director of Tourism Policy, said, "We have confirmed that Gangneung is emerging as a leading domestic tourist destination as well as a place of interest for foreign tourists," and added, "We will actively attract both domestic and international tourists during the summer peak season and the Chuseok golden holiday by preparing customized content and a systematic reception system."