Gangwon Tourism Foundation Receives Prime Minister's Commendation for Contributions to Local Public Institutions' Development

First Prime Minister's Commendation Since Foundation

Four Consecutive Years of S-Grade in Management Evaluation

The Only Public Institution Selected in the Province

Revitalizing the Local Economy with Unique Tourism Content

Gangwon Tourism Foundation (CEO Seonghyun Choi) received the Prime Minister's Commendation for Contributions to the Development of Local Public Institutions at the 21st Local Public Institutions Day ceremony held at Gangneung Olympic Park on the 17th. This is the Foundation's first Prime Minister's Commendation since its establishment in 2020.

Choi Sunghyun, CEO of Gangwon Tourism Organization (right), is receiving the Prime Minister's Commendation for contributions to the development of local public institutions at the "21st Local Public Institutions Day" ceremony held at Gangneung Olympic Park on the 17th. Provided by Gangwon Tourism Organization

The Foundation was the only public institution in Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province selected for a government award this year. The Prime Minister's Commendation for the Development of Local Public Institutions is presented to organizations and individuals who have produced outstanding achievements and contributed to the advancement of local public institutions.

Since its founding, the Foundation has been awarded an S-grade in management evaluations for four consecutive years. Its capabilities as a regional tourism organization have also been recognized, having received ministerial awards from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, and the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, among others.

In particular, the Foundation launched the "2025–2026 Visit Gangwon Years" campaign, set a record for the highest number of visitors ever, and developed unique tourism content such as the distinct temple tour program "I’m Going to Gangwon’s Temples." These efforts to uncover differentiated tourism content and stimulate the local economy were highly praised.

Initiatives were also undertaken to alleviate the concentration of foreign tourists in the Seoul metropolitan area. The Foundation strengthened Gangwon tourism’s global brand awareness, improved transportation convenience for international visitors, and contributed to the revitalization of tourism to South Korea by attracting both domestic and international e-sports events and cruise ships at Sokcho Port.

The Foundation has expanded eco-friendly, barrier-free, and community-coexisting tourism, earned and maintained ISO 37001 Anti-Bribery Management System certification and ISO 45001 Occupational Health and Safety Management System certification, and worked to enhance public institutions’ social responsibility and management transparency.

Gangwon Tourism Organization (CEO Seonghyun Choi) received the Prime Minister's Commendation for Contributions to the Development of Local Public Institutions at the 21st Local Public Institutions Day ceremony held on the 17th at Gangneung Olympic Park. Courtesy of Gangwon Tourism Organization

Seonghyun Choi, CEO of Gangwon Tourism Foundation, stated, "The dedication of our staff to revitalizing the regional economy through tourism has led to this meaningful achievement. We will continue to create tourism results that local residents can truly feel and ensure that Gangwon tourism becomes a strong driving force for community development."

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