Gangwon Tourism Foundation Reinvents Sokcho Port with a "Five Senses" Destination Tour
Step-by-Step Approach: Themed Product Development, On-Site Validation, and Public-Private Collaboration
The Gangwon Tourism Foundation (CEO Choi Sunghyun) announced on December 22 that it has successfully completed the development of themed tourism products, a familiarization tour for domestic cruise industry stakeholders, and the operation of an expert consultative body, all aimed at strengthening the competitiveness of cruise port tourism centered on Sokcho Port.
Domestic cruise industry stakeholders invited on a familiarization tour. Provided by Gangwon Tourism Foundation
Sokcho Port is the only dedicated cruise terminal on Korea's east coast. With the recent increase in cruise arrivals, there has been a growing demand for stay-type port tourism. In response, the Gangwon Tourism Foundation has moved beyond simple visit-based itineraries and has been working to advance experience-oriented themed tourism content that reflects the region's history, culture, and natural resources.
Based on tourism resources spanning Sokcho, Goseong, and Yangyang, the foundation developed themed port tourism courses focused on Buddhist culture, the history of displaced communities, trekking, gastronomy, traditional culture, and the DMZ. The foundation also focused on verifying the feasibility of linking these courses to actual cruise products.
From December 18, a one-night, two-day familiarization tour was organized, inviting around 30 representatives from domestic cruise lines, travel agencies, and ship agencies to Sokcho. Participants experienced unique Sokcho content firsthand, including a temple stay at Naksansa Temple in Yangyang, cultural experiences related to displaced communities in Abai Village, a craft beer brewery tour, trekking along Seorak Fragrance Trail, and visits to traditional markets. They also shared on-site feedback regarding the potential for commercialization and suggestions for operational improvements.
On December 19, the 9th Gangwon Cruise Development Council and a roundtable of experts on themed cruise port tourism products were held. During these events, participants shared the achievements of the 2025 Gangwon cruise project and engaged in in-depth discussions on strategies to attract cruises in 2026 and ways to revitalize port tourism.
In particular, experts in tourism and cruise industries, travel agencies, cruise lines, and local government officials participated to provide practical suggestions for improvement regarding the marketability, operability, and safety of the developed themed tourism products.
Choi Sunghyun, CEO of the Gangwon Tourism Foundation, stated, "This project is significant not only for developing port tourism content, but also for verifying its potential for commercialization through on-site validation and expert discussions. Moving forward, we will continue to enhance the quality of port tourism content to make Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province a destination that cruise tourists want to visit again."
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