Government Launches "K-Tourism Innovation Task Force" Led by Minister Hwee Young Choi of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism

Over 20 Experts from Academia, Industry, and Related Organizations Attend

On the afternoon of September 3, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism launched the "K-Tourism Innovation Task Force" at the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Seoul, with around 20 participants including officials from related ministries, academic and industry experts, and representatives from relevant organizations.

The task force is the first public-private tourism innovation partnership established since the launch of the new administration, designed to address the rapidly increasing demand for inbound tourism to Korea and the challenge of revitalizing regional tourism, both of which have emerged as 'K-Culture' spreads globally. Through this task force, the Ministry aims to foster tourism as "Korea's true growth engine" and to usher in a new era where regions, beyond just the Seoul metropolitan area, become global destinations.

The K-Tourism Innovation Task Force is chaired by the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism and includes participation from key ministries such as the Ministry of Economy and Finance, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of the Interior and Safety, and Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, as well as major public institutions like the Korea Tourism Organization, Korea Railroad Corporation, and Korea Transport Institute. Leading industry associations such as the Korea Tourism Association, Korea Association of Travel Agents, and Korea Tourism Research Association are also involved, along with a range of experts from both the tourism and cultural content sectors.

Hwee Young Choi, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism [Photo by Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism]

From academia, Professor Lee Hoon of Hanyang University, Professors Kim Daegwan and Choi Kyuwan of Kyung Hee University, Professor Shim Wonseop of Mokpo National University, Professor Jang Hochan of Korea National Open University, and Professor Lee Jaeseok of Gangneung-Wonju National University will contribute their expertise.

From the industry, leading Korean brand strategist Noh Heeyoung, Lim Hyemin, CEO of Creatrip, which operates a travel platform for foreigners, Jung Jiha, CEO of Tripbtoz, a pioneer in video-based accommodation booking services, and Choi Dongcheon, CEO of Mastercard Korea, a global payment network leader, will participate.

In the content, culture, and psychology fields, travel writer Tae Wonjun, who has shared a wide variety of domestic and international travel experiences, domestic travel content creator (YouTuber) "Wooni's Meals" with 250,000 subscribers, psychology expert Professor Kim Kyungil of Ajou University, and broadcaster Alberto Mondi, who has long been active in Korea, are also joining the task force.

The task force will focus discussions on key issues such as expanding the inbound tourism market, improving tourism infrastructure, innovating regional tourism, and strengthening the competitiveness of the tourism industry. It will also operate working groups by sector to develop field-oriented solutions. In particular, the task force plans to hold regional forums to actively gather on-site feedback and to develop comprehensive policies that will drive innovation across the tourism industry. The issues identified by the task force will be incorporated into the agenda of the National Tourism Strategy Meeting, the highest decision-making body in the tourism sector, and will be actively utilized in formulating policies to realize the new government's tourism policy vision.

At the launch ceremony, Heeja Ahn, Director of Tourism Research at the Korea Culture & Tourism Institute, gave a presentation on "The Current Status and Challenges of Korea's Inbound Tourism," while Professor Choi Kyuwan of Kyung Hee University discussed "Paradigm Shift and Strategies for Revitalizing Regional Tourism." The participants engaged in wide-ranging discussions on strategies for sustaining inbound tourism growth, innovative approaches to regional tourism, and policy responses to expand tourism consumption and length of stay.

Minister Hwee Young Choi emphasized, "Tourism is a core strategic industry that will help Korea break through economic stagnation and overcome the risk of regional extinction." Minister Choi stated, "With 250 million global Hallyu fans who love K-Culture now visiting Korea, it is time to welcome international visitors not only in the Seoul metropolitan area, but also throughout the regions. Through the K-Tourism Innovation Task Force, which brings together the public and private sectors, we will foster qualitative growth in inbound tourism, balanced regional development, and a tourism ecosystem that benefits small business owners and local residents alike."