Chuncheon Achieves Major Transformation in Leisure Industry
Annual Participation Surpasses 19,000
Shift from Competition-Focused to Everyday and Experiential Programs
The leisure industry, which symbolizes Chuncheon, the city by the lake, is entering a new era after 18 years. Moving away from international competitions focused on elite athletes, the city is now fully transforming into a hub for everyday leisure activities and experiential tourism enjoyed by citizens, thereby expanding its foundation as a "leisure city."
According to the Chuncheon Leisure and Taekwondo Organizing Committee (hereinafter referred to as the Organizing Committee) on December 30, a total of 19,000 people participated in the four major leisure programs operated this year: the Citizen Leisure Academy, Chuncheon International Leisure Competition, Citizen Leisure Events, and Eco Tour.
The most notable change is the shift in operational direction.
Since 2023, the Chuncheon International Leisure Competition has abolished its festival-style opening ceremony and switched to a year-round operating system. This has created an environment where citizens can enjoy leisure activities throughout all four seasons, rather than limiting them to one-off events.
This year, 3,957 people participated in the program, which focused on educational and experiential activities for citizens such as skateboarding, BMX, paddleboarding, water skiing, canoeing, and paragliding. The program was divided into beginner and experienced classes, and a step-by-step structure was applied, progressing from experience to education and then to the leisure league.
Additionally, seasonal programs such as Yoga Haebom and Yojumgaul, the Slow Leisure Triple Challenge, Yoonseul, Noeul, and Byeolbit Canoeing, Uiam Lake Swimming Beach, Physical Chun100, and Kids Leisure Challenge were held, attracting many citizens. The international leisure competition featured not only events for professional athletes but also programs for families and the general public, with a total of about 13,000 participants joining the festivities.
In the field of leisure tourism, the Eco Tour, which combines cycling, canoeing, and trekking on Bungeo Island, was operated as a paid program and attracted 1,377 participants. Notably, 58% of participants were visitors from outside the region, confirming the potential for expanding tourism based on leisure activities. The Organizing Committee plans to introduce a new "Eco Ride" program next year, where participants can cycle around Uiam Lake with a guide.
The Organizing Committee plans to further expand citizen participation programs next year, while building a sustainable leisure structure that considers operational quality and regional connections. An official from the Organizing Committee stated, "Next year, we will focus on expanding a variety of citizen-participatory leisure programs and experiential tourism, aiming to spread a leisure culture that can be enjoyed by both citizens and visitors."
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