Governor Kim Deokhyun: "We Will Prepare a New Leap Forward for Northern Gyeonggi's Tourism and Cultural Industries"

Mid-term Briefing Held for the 2029 Yeoncheon World Paleolithic Expo Feasibility Study and Basic Plan
Experts and Local Leaders Discuss Future Initiatives
Kim Deokhyun: "We Will Unite the Community for a Successful International Event"

Yeoncheon County, Gyeonggi Province, announced on the 19th that it held a mid-term briefing session for the '2029 Yeoncheon World Paleolithic Expo Feasibility Study and Basic Plan Establishment Service' at the Jeongok Prehistoric Museum on the 14th.

Kim Deokhyun, the governor of Yeoncheon County, and related officials are exchanging opinions at the mid-term briefing session for the establishment of the basic plan for the '2029 Yeoncheon World Paleolithic Expo' held at Jeongok Prehistoric Museum on the 14th. Provided by Yeoncheon County

The meeting was attended by Kim Deokhyun, Governor of Yeoncheon County, the Director of Tourism Industry at Gyeonggi Province, Kim Mikyung, Chairperson of the Yeoncheon County Council, other county council members, and advisory committee members who are leading experts in the fields of domestic festivals and international events. They shared updates on the progress of the project and discussed the direction for future initiatives.

During the briefing, representatives from Gyeonggi Province expressed their commitment to supporting the Yeoncheon World Paleolithic Expo so that it can become an international event that revitalizes the cultural tourism industry in northern Gyeonggi. They also emphasized their willingness to cooperate on the approval process for the international event, promotion and marketing, and linking with regional infrastructure. The advisory committee for this project includes Professor Lee Injae of Gachon University, Associate Research Fellow Oh Hoonseong of the Korea Culture and Tourism Institute, and Professor Heo Jun of Dongduk Women's University, all of whom have extensive experience in tourism policy, international events, and the MICE industry.

The expo will be held under the theme "Revolution in Your Hands, Awakening the Future" for 30 days from April 21 to May 20, 2029, centered around the Jeongok-ri site and across the Yeoncheon area. A variety of programs will be offered, including the main theme pavilion, exhibition and experience halls, industry pavilion, international academic conferences, performances, and side events.

A nationwide survey showed strong support for the event, with an 88.1% approval rate for hosting and 88.5% expressing an intention to attend. An economic feasibility analysis also confirmed the project's viability.

Governor Kim Deokhyun stated, "We will widely promote the global value of Yeoncheon’s Paleolithic heritage and prepare for a new leap forward in the tourism and cultural industries of northern Gyeonggi. With the cooperation of Gyeonggi Province, the expert advisory group, and the local community, we will work together to make this international event a success."

Meanwhile, Yeoncheon County plans to incorporate the suggestions from Gyeonggi Province and the advisory committee presented at this briefing and hold a final briefing session in October, after which it will officially begin the application process for international event approval.