Gimpo Aegibong Peace Ecological Park Ranked Second Among National Hot Places

Gimpo's Aegibong Peace Ecological Park Ranks Second in Korea Tourism Datalab's National Hot Place List
Park Achieves Nationwide Recognition as Visitor Numbers Soar; Over 700,000 Expected by Late August
Release of Goods Featuring Gimpo's Signature Attractions Drives Fivefold Increase in Foreign Tourists

Aegibong Peace Ecological Park, a leading security tourism destination in South Korea, ranked second in the "July 2025 National Hot Place Rankings" announced by Korea Tourism Datalab.

Tourists looking at the goods. Provided by Gimpo City

This achievement demonstrates both nationwide recognition and popularity, as recent visitor data serves as meaningful evidence of its success. Notably, the number of foreign tourists increased more than fivefold compared to the same month in the previous year (July 2024).

Another unique feature of Aegibong Peace Ecological Park, which has seen a surge in foreign visitors, is that tourists can purchase goods featuring Gimpo's signature tourism assets.

The city announced that, in collaboration with Starbucks Korea, mugs and tumblers featuring Gimpo's representative tourism resources have been available at the Starbucks store inside Aegibong Peace Ecological Park since the 13th. These goods, labeled "Gimpo Aegibong" in both Korean and English, incorporate designs symbolizing Gimpo's iconic attractions such as the Aegibong Observatory, Peace Bell, Munsusanseong Fortress, barbed wire, rice paddies, Jogang and North Korea views, and the Geumbit Waterway.

Starbucks, which has released city-themed goods for major cities like New York, Hawaii, Shanghai, and Hong Kong, has mainly launched its goods series in metropolitan areas in Korea. It is therefore unusual for Gimpo, a basic local government, to present its own goods.

One tourist who visited Aegibong to purchase the goods said, "Looking at the Starbucks goods, I don't think I'll ever forget Gimpo. I plan to display the Gimpo goods next to my New York collection at home." Another tourist commented, "Seeing the words 'Gimpo Aegibong' engraved on a Starbucks tumbler, which is recognized worldwide, makes me proud. I think this is a prime example of a 'win-win achievement' through the collaboration between a global brand and a local government."

After news of the Gimpo goods release spread, the number of visitors to Aegibong surged to four times the weekday average. During the holiday period from the 15th to the 17th, more than 2,000 tourists visited each day. The city plans to maximize interest in Gimpo by widely promoting these goods, which comprehensively represent the city's symbols, to a global audience.

Night view of Aegibong. Provided by Gimpo City

With visitor numbers soaring, Aegibong is expected to surpass a cumulative total of 700,000 visitors by the end of August. To celebrate this achievement, the city will host a "Special Cultural Event Commemorating 700,000 Visitors" on Saturday, August 30. The event will feature a variety of commemorative performances, interactive programs for visitors, and souvenir giveaways.

A Gimpo City official stated, "The sharp increase in foreign tourists is evidence that Aegibong Peace Ecological Park is emerging as a leading security tourism destination in Korea. Moving forward, we will strengthen customized guidance systems for foreign visitors, establish regular cultural performances, and improve transportation accessibility to ensure that all domestic and international tourists can enjoy a comfortable and enriching experience."

The city also plans to strengthen data-driven tourism policies by developing marketing strategies using big data analysis, such as Korea Tourism Datalab, creating linked tourism products with nearby attractions, and operating seasonal festivals, thereby establishing a sustainable tourism model that encourages repeat visits.