Gyeongju and Haeundae Selected as 'Global Tourism Zones'... 3 Billion Won Each in Support

Ministry to Enhance Convenience for Foreign Visitors and Expand Regional Content Over Two Years

Gyeongju to Boost Silla Nighttime Tours and Culinary Experiences, Haeundae to Strengthen Marine Tourism and MICE

Gyeongju and Haeundae in Busan have been designated as 'Global Tourism Zones' to increase visits and stays by foreign tourists in their regions.

On the 26th, with the steaming heatwave continuing day after day, Busan Haeundae Beach is crowded with people as the peak summer vacation season begins. Yonhap News

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism announced on July 31 that Gyeongju Tourism Zone and Haeundae Tourism Zone have been selected as recipients of support under the 'Global Tourism Zone Development' project. Each area will receive 3 billion won in government funds over the next two years.

The Global Tourism Zone Development Project is an initiative to nurture global regional tourism hubs by identifying tourism zones with regionally unique tourism content and infrastructure. Its aim is to disperse foreign tourists, who are currently concentrated in Seoul, to other regions and to boost tourism spending nationwide.

The Ministry conducted a public contest from May 18 to July 6 for tourism zones across Korea, excluding the Seoul metropolitan area and Jeju Island. After evaluating factors such as the competitiveness of tourism content and the ability to host foreign tourists, the ministry conducted document and in-person reviews and ultimately selected these two regions.

Gyeongju Tourism Zone will expand content geared toward longer stays, such as nighttime tours utilizing Silla Dynasty history and cultural resources, as well as culinary experiences. The region will also increase the number of foreign tourist taxis and circular sightseeing buses, and introduce a convenient payment system to enhance tourists' mobility and payment experiences.

Haeundae Tourism Zone will develop an integrated brand combining marine tourism, MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions), and shopping infrastructure. It will introduce both daytime and nighttime experiential content, roll out an open transportation payment system, and consider providing benefits to visitors who use accommodations certified under a cooperative agreement.

The ministry also plans to continuously improve tourism services by utilizing smart tourism guides and payment data, and to foster these areas as tourism zones where visitors can stay throughout both day and night.

Kang Jeongwon, policy chief at the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, stated, "We will support Gyeongju and Haeundae in improving convenience for foreign tourists and becoming representative success stories in regional tourism, based on their distinctive content and brands."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.