Yeongdeok Blue Road Wins "Korea's Best Management Award" for Third Consecutive Year

Solidifying Its Position as Korea's Premier Wellness Tourism Destination for Coastal Trekking

Yeongdeok Blue Road, a popular coastal trekking destination, was selected as the winner in the Wellness Tourism City Management category at the "2025 Korea's Best Management Awards" held at The Plaza Hotel in Seoul on July 16.

Munsungjun Yeongdeokbugun is posing for a commemorative photo after receiving Korea's Best Management Award. Provided by Yeongdeok County

This year's Korea's Best Management Awards, hosted by the Chosun Ilbo and supported by the Ministry of Employment and Labor, the Ministry of Health and Welfare, the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family, and the Ministry of Science and ICT, are determined through document review and final deliberation by a panel of judges, targeting companies and institutions that have applied.

With this achievement, Yeongdeok Blue Road has received the Management Award for three consecutive years, further solidifying its status as Korea's top coastal trekking course and premier wellness tourism destination.

The Blue Road, which stretches a total of 66.5 kilometers along the pristine East Sea coast, was opened in 2009 as the first inland coastal trail. Since then, it has consistently attracted tourists seeking eco-friendly and healthy travel experiences.

Since the launch of the 8th popularly elected administration in 2022, County Governor Kim Kwangyeol has formed a dedicated team and established a mid- to long-term roadmap to realize the Blue Road's potential, embarking on extensive development. The county is currently implementing the "Yeongdeok Blue Road Theme Road Project" with a total budget of 15 billion KRW to be invested by 2026.

In line with the recently completed master plan, the existing four courses (A, B, C, D) have been subdivided into eight themed courses based on the keyword "B.L.U.E.R.O.A.D." These include: the Beach of Beginnings, Special Snow Crab, Hill of Winds, Blue Sea, Mok-eun Contemplation, Gwanuidae Five Scenic Views, Beach Camping, and the Final Stretch of Blue Road. Each course has been uniquely designed by theme, reducing the burden of long-distance trekking while enhancing the distinctive appeal of each route.

Among these, the Gwanuidae Five Scenic Views course is being developed as an "open wellness tourism destination" that is easily accessible to everyone. Convenience facilities such as electric carts and monorails will be installed from the entrance to the summit, and at the top, tourist amenities like observation decks and meditation spaces will allow visitors to comfortably enjoy five scenic views: the 20-ri sandy beach, East Sea, Songcheon, Yeonghae fields, and Chilbo Mountain.

Notably, in April, the East Coast region of North Gyeongsang Province was designated as a UNESCO Global Geopark, with a significant portion of the Blue Road included in the area. This highlights its value not only as a tourist attraction but also for its geological and ecological significance.

Deputy County Governor Moon Sungjun, who attended the awards ceremony, stated, "The Blue Road is evolving into a premium course that anyone can comfortably enjoy, integrating eight themes into a trekking route embracing the sea. We will continue to enhance the brand value and visitor satisfaction of Blue Road through ongoing content development and management, ensuring it becomes a central hub for wellness tourism."

Yeongdeok County will also host the "Eider Hikers Day Festival" in collaboration with outdoor brand Eider from September 25 to 28 along the Blue Road.

This event, which will feature walking, camping, and experiential programs in nature, is expected to further solidify Blue Road's position as a leading wellness tourism destination.