Analysis of Gangwon Tourism Trends Using Big Data
15.37 Million Tourists Visited Gangwon in July
353,097 Foreign Visitors, Up 28.3%
On September 3, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province (Governor Kim Jin-tae) and the Gangwon Tourism Foundation (CEO Choi Sunghyun) announced that, based on big data analysis of tourism trends, approximately 15.37 million tourists visited Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province in July. This represents a 13.1% increase compared to the same month last year and a 19% increase compared to the previous month.
The number of foreign tourists reached 353,097, a 28.3% increase from the same month last year (275,199). By country, the most prominent numbers of visitors came from the Philippines (62,145), China (39,547), Vietnam (37,781), the United States (27,895), and Japan (24,717).
In July this year, all 18 cities and counties in the province saw an increase in tourist numbers compared to the same month last year, clearly demonstrating the effect of the summer peak season.
Among them, Taebaek City recorded the highest year-on-year growth rate in tourist numbers at 20.72%. This was followed by Inje County (19.64%), Pyeongchang County (19.44%), Yeongwol County (15.78%), and Jeongseon County (15.76%). Taebaek City also showed the highest month-on-month growth rate at 47.6%, gaining popularity as a cool summer destination.
Among the main tourist attractions in Donghae City and Hongcheon County, which were highlighted as "Recommended Destinations for July during the Year of Visiting Gangwon," Donghae City's Dochebigol Haerang Observatory (65.17%) and Mangsang Beach (18.47%), as well as Hongcheon County's Garisan Natural Recreation Forest (30.93%) and Hwarogui Alley (17.82%), all saw significant increases in tourist numbers compared to the same month last year.
Tourism Consumption Trends in Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province. Provided by Gangwon Tourism Foundation
Tourism consumption in July was approximately 170 billion won, a slight decrease of 2.3% (about 3.9 billion won) compared to the same month last year, but a 7.5% increase (about 11.8 billion won) compared to the previous month. By sector, transportation (53.6%) and leisure (3.1%) showed increases compared to the same month last year, while accommodation, transportation, and food sectors all increased compared to the previous month.
Meanwhile, in terms of accommodation by non-resident tourists, both same-day trips and one-night, two-night, and three-night stays increased compared to both the previous month and the same month last year. The detailed year-on-year growth rates were 20.67% and 17.96% for same-day and one-night stays in Inje County, 24.11% for two-night stays in Taebaek City, and 53.68% for three-night stays in Pyeongchang County.
Choi Sunghyun, CEO of the Gangwon Tourism Foundation, stated, "I would like to express my deep gratitude to everyone who visited Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province during the summer vacation season as we celebrate the Year of Visiting Gangwon in 2025-2026." He added, "We will continue to work to eliminate price gouging and spread friendly service, and strive to ensure even more tourists can enjoy Gangwon tourism in the second half of the year."
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