Gangwon Tourism Organization Reports 20% Surge in August Visitors
260,000 Foreign Tourists; Gangneung Sees 6.8% Growth, Spending Hits 206.2 Billion Won
Gangneung, Donghae, and Goseong Popularity Soars; Spending Up Across All Sectors
Foreign Touri
Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province (Governor Kim Jin-tae) and the Gangwon Tourism Organization (CEO Choi Seong-hyun) announced on October 2 that, based on big data analysis of tourism trends in Gangwon, approximately 18.55 million tourists visited Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province in August. This represents an increase of 2.8% compared to the same month last year and a 20.7% rise compared to the previous month.
Overview of Tourism Trends in Gangwon Province. Provided by Gangwon Province Special Self-Governing Province
The number of foreign tourists reached 260,102, a 13.6% increase from the same month last year (228,890). By country, the largest numbers of foreign visitors came from the Philippines (34,594), China (29,912), Vietnam (19,768), Japan (18,207), and Taiwan (17,167).
In August, 14 cities and counties saw an increase in tourist numbers compared to the same month last year, with Gangneung recording the highest year-on-year growth rate at 6.8%.
Gangneung’s surge was attributed to a large influx of tourists to the Gyeongpo area during the summer vacation season. Following Gangneung, Donghae (6.7%), Goseong (5.8%), Wonju (5.5%), and Inje (3.6%) also saw notable increases in tourist numbers. Additionally, all 18 cities and counties experienced growth compared to the previous month, clearly demonstrating Gangwon’s strong appeal as a top summer vacation destination.
Among the main attractions in Taebaek and Gangneung, which were highlighted as “August Recommended Destinations for Visit Gangwon Year,” Taebaek Highland Natural Recreation Forest (14.74%), Hwangji Free Market (9.13%), Gyeongpo Beach (4.92%), and Jeongdong-Simgok Badabuchaegil Trail (28.37%) all recorded significant year-on-year increases in visitor numbers.
Tourism Trends by City and County in Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province. Provided by Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province
Tourism consumption in August totaled approximately 206.2 billion won, a decrease of 7.7% (about 17.1 billion won) compared to the same month last year, but a substantial increase of 21.3% (about 36.1 billion won) from the previous month.
By sector, transportation spending increased by 9.2% year-on-year, while month-on-month, all sectors showed growth: accommodation (36.2%), transportation (22.8%), food (21%), and leisure (3%).
For overnight stays by non-local tourists, both day trips without overnight stays and two-night stays increased compared to the same month last year. The detailed year-on-year growth rates by category were as follows: no overnight stay (Donghae, 8.5%), one-night stay (Gangneung, 5.7%), two-night stay (Wonju, 15.6%), and three-night stay (Gangneung, 6.4%).
Tourism Consumption Trends in Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province. Provided by Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province
Choi Seong-hyun, CEO of the Gangwon Tourism Organization, stated, "In August, as the vacation season reached its peak, a record number of tourists visited Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province. I hope that during the upcoming Chuseok holiday and the start of the autumn travel season, visitors will enjoy a wealth of experiences not only in Inje and Cheorwon but throughout Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province."
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