Gumi City Rises with Variety Show Fame... Freshly Fried Ramen and Geumosan Attract Tourists

Over 5 Million Views

From Geumosan and Galmoeru to Gopchang Jeongol

Synergy of Gastronomy and Tourism

Gumi City in North Gyeongsang Province has been invigorating its tourism sector by attracting a surge of visitors since a popular variety show aired in July 2026 and spotlighted the hidden charms of the city’s attractions to a nationwide audience.

Since the broadcast, related YouTube videos have attracted over 5 million views, and the featured foods and tourist attractions have garnered nationwide attention, resulting in a significant increase in actual visitors.

Clockwise) Geumosan Grass Plaza - Panoramic View of Geumosan - Citizens Lining Up to Buy Freshly Fried Ramen at the Gumi Ramen Festival - Galmoeru [Photo by Gumi City]

The biggest sensation was the 'freshly fried ramen,' a signature culinary offering representing Gumi.

After the show’s cast members highly praised the chewy noodles, sales at the featured ramen shop soared to more than six times the pre-broadcast figures.

The previous year’s Gumi Ramen Festival welcomed 350,000 visitors, and sales of freshly fried ramen during the festival alone surpassed 500,000 servings, cementing its status as a signature food enjoyed nationwide.

The show also introduced another local delicacy, gopchang jeongol (beef intestine hot pot), adding even greater depth to Gumi’s reputation as a gastronomic destination.

Gumi City plans to host the Gumi Food Festival in October and the Gumi Ramen Festival in November, showcasing the region’s signature culinary attractions and experiential tourism content.

In addition, Gumi was selected for the "2026 K-Gastronomic Belt (Chicken Belt)" initiative, which is helping to develop a new stay-type culinary tourism base centered around the Kyochon 1991 Cultural Street.

Not only the city’s culinary scene but also its major tourist spots are being rediscovered thanks to the show.

Among Gumi’s most famous nighttime destinations is Galmoeru, an observatory that offers sweeping views of the Nakdong River and Geumosan Mountain. At sunset, it provides a stunning combination of twilight and city lights, making it a highly sought-after photo spot. Nearby, you’ll find Bisan Ferry Dock, Bisan Ferry Trail, and the Sinpyeong Mural Village, all popular for walking tours.

Geumosan Mountain, Korea’s first provincial park, is another leading tourism destination. In the past year alone, it attracted over 2 million visitors. The mountain is dotted with attractions such as Daehae Falls, Doseon Cave, Yaksasa Temple, and Chaemi Pavilion, where nature, history, and cultural heritage blend seamlessly. With landscapes that change with every season, it remains a favorite for families and hiking enthusiasts alike.

Gumi is also home to hidden gems not featured on the broadcast. Nakdonggang Sports Park stands out as a top relaxation spot, offering scenic riverside walks and bike rides. Daon Forest Sculpture Park presents an unusual cultural space where world-class sculptures are nestled in a forest setting.

Jisan Wetland Ecological Park is a beloved eco-tourism spot for families year-round, offering diverse scenery: cherry blossoms in spring, lotuses in summer, silver grass in autumn, and whooper swans in winter.

Gumi City has also prepared events to encourage longer stays by tourists. Through November 15, the city is running the mobile K-Stamp Tour. Visitors who check in at major attractions such as Geumosan, Geumridangil, and Saemaeul Central Market and present receipts showing purchases of at least 10,000 won in the region are eligible to receive Gumi Love Gift Certificates and tourism souvenirs.

Jangho Kim, Mayor of Gumi, said, "The variety show has brought nationwide recognition to Gumi’s cuisine and tourist assets. Moving forward, we will continue to expand distinctive tourism content that combines gourmet experiences, culture, and natural beauty to establish Gumi as a stay-type tourism city that people want to revisit."

Once known primarily as an industrial city, Gumi is now transforming into a "delicious travel destination." The key challenge for the city’s tourism sector is how effectively it can turn its culinary, natural, and cultural assets into experiences that encourage visitors to extend their stay and contribute to the local economy.

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