Yangsuri in Yangpyeong County Selected as a "2025 Best Tourism Village" by UN Tourism Organization
Dumulmeori Area in Yangseo-myeon Gains International Recognition for Its Natural and Cultural Value
Yangpyeong County in Gyeonggi Province (Governor Jeon Jinseon) has proven the status of "Tourism City Yangpyeong" on the global stage.
Masunheung, Deputy Governor of Yangpyeong County, and others received an award on the 17th at Anji County, Huzhou City, Zhejiang Province, China, for being selected as the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) "Best Tourism Villages." Provided by Yangpyeong County
On October 18, Yangpyeong County announced that Yangsuri Dumulmeori in Yangseo-myeon was selected as a "2025 Best Tourism Village" at the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism) Best Tourism Villages awards ceremony, which was held on October 17 at Anji County, Huzhou City, Zhejiang Province, China.
The awards ceremony took place at the Yangshan Future Science and Technology City International Convention and Exhibition Center. The selection process evaluated rural villages from around the world based on criteria such as the preservation of natural and cultural heritage, resident-centered tourism management, and the capacity for sustainable practices, ultimately recognizing outstanding villages.
Yangsuri Dumulmeori achieved the remarkable feat of receiving international certification from the United Nations by surpassing numerous competing villages and passing this rigorous international evaluation. Deputy Governor Ma Sunheung and Min Kyunghwan, head of Yangsu 5-ri, attended the ceremony on behalf of Governor Jeon Jinseon, who could not participate due to county business commitments.
Since 2021, the United Nations World Tourism Organization has operated the "Best Tourism Villages" certification program to address population decline and regional imbalance in rural areas through tourism, while also discovering and promoting hidden tourism resources.
Eligible villages must be based on agriculture, forestry, fisheries, or livestock industries, have a population of less than 15,000, and share the values and lifestyle of the local community. Applications are only accepted on an individual village basis.
Masunheung, Deputy Governor of Yangpyeong County, and others received an award on the 17th at Anji County, Huzhou City, Zhejiang Province, China, for being selected as the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) "Best Tourism Villages." Provided by Yangpyeong County
Accordingly, Dumulmeori Village in Yangsu 5-ri represented Yangpyeong County by applying independently and achieved this historic accomplishment. Until last year, only six villages in Korea had received this international recognition, and with the addition of Yangsuri in Yangpyeong County and Eumnaeri in Muju County, the legacy of Korean tourism villages continues. Dumulmeori in Yangpyeong County is the seventh village in Korea to receive this honor.
"Dumulmeori" is the point where the Namhan River and Bukhan River merge to form the Han River, and it is a historic area centered around the old ferry dock of Yangsuri in Yangseo-myeon. The landscape, featuring a 400-year-old zelkova tree and a yellow-sail boat, is beloved by photographers and travelers from Korea and abroad, and it has been selected for the "Korea Tourism Top 100" for seven consecutive years.
Governor Jeon Jinseon of Yangpyeong County stated, "This award is the result of the international recognition of Dumulmeori's beautiful nature and the efforts of the residents who have preserved it," adding, "Dumulmeori in Yangpyeong will serve as a stepping stone for it to become a world-class tourist destination beyond Korea."
He continued, "As Dumulmeori has been recognized on the international stage, we will develop it as a model for sustainable tourism and lead the future of tourism in Korea."
Meanwhile, the selection as a "Best Tourism Village" is seen as a milestone that will help Yangpyeong County grow into a global tourism city beyond Korea. In particular, it is expected to provide strong momentum for the successful hosting of the "14th Gyeonggi Garden Culture Expo" centered on Dumulmeori and Semiwon next October, as well as for the promotion of national garden status.
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