Highest Growth Rate in South Gyeongsang Province
Proof of Success for Tourism Policies
The number of annual visitors to Hamyang County, South Gyeongsang Province, saw a significant increase in 2025, recording the highest growth rate among all cities and counties in the province.
According to an analysis by the Korea Tourism Organization’s Data Lab, Hamyang County’s annual visitor count for 2025 reached 8,776,845. This represents an increase of approximately 16% compared to the 7,568,950 visitors in 2024, marking the highest growth rate among all cities and counties in South Gyeongsang Province.
Compared to the roughly 5,010,000 visitors in 2021, this is a 75.1% increase over four years. This surge in visitors is attributed to tourism-related policies that have been implemented in recent years.
Leveraging its mountainous terrain, which encompasses both Jirisan and Deogyusan, Hamyang County has actively operated the “Climb GO Hamyang” mountain summit certification program. This initiative has attracted a wide range of visitors, from young people who enjoy hiking and trekking to middle-aged and older adults, becoming a key driver in revitalizing stay-type tourism.
In particular, the “Jirisan Scenic Road,” designated by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport as Korea’s first official tourist road, has transformed the scenic route through Hamyang County from a simple thoroughfare into a branded tourism product. To commemorate this designation, the county is operating a “Stamp Tour” that connects Geoyeonjeong Pavilion, Gaepyeong Hanok Village, Sangnim Park, and Baekmudong, enhancing the county’s appeal as a destination where visitors are encouraged to stay rather than just pass through.
To continue this growth momentum, Hamyang County plans to launch the “Together Hamyang” stay-type tourism content strategy in earnest from 2026, aiming to transform the county from a place for brief visits into a long-stay travel destination.
In particular, the county will promote “2027, the Year of Visiting Hamyang” in conjunction with the 2027 Gyeongnam Provincial Sports Festival. As a preliminary step, the county will organize participatory tourism content projects this year, such as the “Year of Visit BI Contest,” the “Hamyang Tourism National Photo Contest,” and the “Short-form Video Contest,” to attract nationwide attention and draw more visitors.
A Hamyang County official stated, “Through the stay-type tourism projects that will be fully launched from 2026, we will provide more benefits to tourists and inject real vitality into the local economy, establishing a sustainable tourism ecosystem.”
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