450 Billion Won Invested in Chilgapho Tourism Hub Development
Expansion of Tourism Infrastructure in Cheonjang Alps District and More
Cheongyang County in South Chungcheong Province has embarked on a mission to transform itself into a tourism city by expanding large-scale tourism infrastructure and developing new content.
On June 9, the county announced its goal to usher in an era of 5 million annual tourists through a range of projects, including the Chilgapho Tourism Hub Development Project, expansion of tourism infrastructure in the Cheonjang Alps District, widening and paving of the access road to the Baekje Culture Experience Museum, renovation of the Darakgol tourism resources, and upgrades to the Chilgapsan Observatory.
The Chilgapho Tourism Hub Development Project is a large-scale initiative with a total investment of 45 billion won, aiming to maximize the natural scenery of Chilgapho and revitalize the local economy.
Key facilities will include the six-story Chilgap Tower, which will feature an observatory, photo zones, a media video production space, and a local specialty experience center.
Additionally, a skywalk, a 100-meter-long suspension bridge, a water elevator, and a waterfront camping site will be built over Chilgapho, offering visitors unique experiences.
The project will also include pedestrian bridges, waterside promenades, a media facade, nighttime lighting, and photo zones, creating a stay-type tourist destination that can be enjoyed both day and night.
Furthermore, the county will push ahead with the Cheonjang Alps District tourism infrastructure expansion project, which includes building a connecting road between Cheonjang Rest Area and Cheonjang-ri and establishing a historical memorial park, with completion targeted for 2026.
Other ongoing projects include the widening and paving of the access road to the Baekje Culture Experience Museum, renovation of tourism resources centered around the Darakgol Holy Site, and remodeling of the Chilgapsan Observatory.
In particular, the Sky Road to the Alps project is increasing visitor stay time and contributing to the local economy by installing a trail connecting the Cheonjangho Suspension Bridge and Alps Village, a sky rest area, and parking lots. This project received the Excellence Award in the tourism category at the 2023 Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Regional Development Project Evaluation.
Tourism development that combines ecology and culture is also actively underway. Through the Cheonjangho Ecotourism Foundation Project, a waterside promenade, ecological park, and experiential sculptures have been established. The Janggokcheon Riverside Ecological Experience Park, which includes a trail connecting to the Baekje Culture Experience Museum, has been created as a space where visitors can experience both nature and history.
The county is also expanding the foundation for year-round tourism by linking natural resources such as Chilgapsan, Chilgapho, and Cheonjangho with historical and cultural resources such as Janggoksa Temple, Modeoksa Temple, and the Darakgol Stripe Tombs.
The county has shifted its tourism marketing strategy to focus on online channels, increasing awareness of Cheongyang tourism through content marketing using social media influencers on platforms such as YouTube and Instagram, the production of tourism promotional music videos, and posting content designed to drive online searches.
This has led to tangible results, including increased sales of the Cheongyang Tour Pass and a rise in tourism-related searches.
Through the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism's Tourism Dure Support Project, the county is operating a variety of programs, including joint events, vegan tours, and the Vegan Festa, and has been recognized as a national best practice. In 2023, the Cheongyang Tourism Dure PD received multiple awards, including the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Award, affirming the value of these efforts.
A county official stated, "We are working to create a stay-type tourist destination based on Cheongyang's natural, cultural, and experiential content, and we aim to become a tourism city through digital promotion and private sector-led content development."
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