Plaque Unveiling Ceremony Held for Seven of Yeongdeok County's First Private Tourist Information Centers
Operated and Guided by Local Residents
On September 30, 2025, the Yeongdeok Culture and Tourism Foundation held a plaque unveiling ceremony for the "Private Tourist Information Center" of Yeongdeok County at the "March 18th Cafe" near Obbo Beach in Yeongdeok-eup.
As part of the "2025 Region-Led Tourism Service Competitiveness Enhancement Project," the foundation planned the "Operating Private Tourist Information Centers by Region to Experience Yeongdeok" initiative. As a result, seven businesses from various sectors, including accommodation and food and beverage, were selected as Yeongdeok's first private tourist information centers.
This "Yeongdeok County Private Tourist Information Center" was made possible through the voluntary participation of private businesses that are the first and closest to meet tourists.
Careful consideration was given to ensure that the centers were evenly distributed in areas frequently visited by tourists, such as the Blue Road vicinity, as well as in the southern and northern parts of Yeongdeok County.
The selection process meticulously evaluated the symbolic significance of the location, the commitment of the business owner, service mindset, cleanliness and friendliness, operating hours, and the number of customers. Through this process, seven businesses were chosen to take the first step as private tourist information centers: Samsari Achim Pension in the southern area; March 18th Cafe, Cafe Bohm, The Classic Resort, and Cheonlimihang Restaurant in the central area; and Gwaejeong in Gwaesi Folk Village and Sigol Cafe in the northern area.
These businesses will provide comprehensive tourist information services to visitors, in addition to their regular operations. Services include guidance on nearby attractions and restaurants, information on the Yeongdeok Tourism Taxi, promotion of Yeongdeok County's festivals and events, and even handling tourist inconvenience reports. Beyond supplementing the existing three Yeongdeok County tourist information centers, they are expected to boost visitor satisfaction by offering vivid information such as hidden local spots known only to residents, real-time traffic updates, and local restaurant recommendations.
The project manager at the foundation emphasized, "Yeongdeok's greatest tourism asset is not only its beautiful nature but also the warmth of its residents. If the residents themselves become ambassadors and guides for Yeongdeok County, sharing its charm, they will be the most sincere and moving guides possible." He also requested, "With a sense of mission as the first impression and frontline of Yeongdeok tourism, the private tourist information centers should do their utmost to make Yeongdeok a place visitors want to return to and stay in."
Before the opening of the private tourist information centers, the foundation provided operational training to participating businesses and plans to support them with the latest tourism information, guidebooks, promotional materials, and to build an organic network.
For more detailed information about the Yeongdeok County Private Tourist Information Centers, visit the Yeongdeok Tourism Portal "Stay Yeongdeok" website or contact the Culture and Tourism Team at the Yeongdeok Culture and Tourism Foundation.
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