“A New Chapter for Overlooked Mining Regions”
Gangwon’s “Gamtan Road” Generates 750 Million Won in Economic Impact
Focusing on “Stay-Type Tourism” Over One-Off Events
Attracting 3,284 Paying Tourists
The Gangwon Tourism Foundation (CEO Choi Sunghyun) announced on December 29 that it achieved approximately 750 million won in direct regional consumption this year through the operation of specialized tourism products for "Gamtan Road," a tourism route connecting the four mining-closed cities and counties of Taebaek, Samcheok, Yeongwol, and Jeongseon.
Tourism route "Gamtan Road" connecting four mining-closed areas including Taebaek, Samcheok, Yeongwol, and Jeongseon through travel. Provided by Gangwon Tourism Foundation
This project focused on establishing "stay-type tourism," where visitors spend at least one night in the region and make meaningful expenditures, moving away from conventional one-off festivals and showcase events.
The foundation collaborated with leading domestic online travel agencies (OTA) and local specialty travel agencies to launch a variety of products utilizing the integrated "Gamtan Road" brand for mining-closed areas. These included integrated accommodation and travel packages, five themed tours, and "Gamtan Stay" experiences.
As a result, a total of 3,284 paying tourists were attracted by the end of this year. Notably, 1,713 people stayed overnight or longer in the mining-closed areas through special accommodation and travel promotions, while 1,550 people participated in themed tours linked with local creators, revitalizing local alleyway businesses.
According to the performance analysis, the economic ripple effect-combining participants' purchases of tourism products and additional spending on local food, beverages, and shopping-is estimated at about 755 million won. This figure exceeds the original target of 150 million won by more than five times (503%).
Tourism route "Gamtan Road" connecting four mining-closed areas including Taebaek, Samcheok, Yeongwol, and Jeongseon through travel. Provided by Gangwon Tourism Foundation
In particular, "Gamtan Stay," which was introduced for the first time this year, drew attention as a new model for forming a relationship population, going beyond simple tourism.
This program, which allows participants to live like local residents for four days and three nights, recorded a high application rate of six to one at the recruitment stage and received an impressive satisfaction score of 99 out of 100 in participant surveys. Participants also played a significant role as ambassadors by voluntarily posting more than 130 reviews on social media, promoting the hidden charms of the mining-closed areas.
Choi Sunghyun, CEO of the Gangwon Tourism Foundation, stated, "This achievement proves that mining-closed areas are no longer just places to pass by, but attractive destinations for extended stays," adding, "We will continue to strengthen sales marketing that provides tangible support to local small businesses and lead the revitalization of the mining-closed area economies."
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