"Increase in Jeju Tourism Despite COVID-19" KT Big Data Released

[Asia Economy Reporter Koo Chae-eun] KT announced on the 12th that, based on big data analysis of major tourist attractions and visitors in Jeju Island this year, the number of tourists at ecological tourist sites within Jeju Island has increased significantly.

According to KT's big data analysis, so-called ecological tourism such as oreum (volcanic cones) and recreational forests has been gaining attention. Compared to the previous month, in May, visitor numbers increased significantly at Camellia Hill, famous for hydrangeas (202.98%), the area around Lotte Skyhill CC (168.11%), Obaek Nahan, composed of hundreds of bizarre rock formations (157.80%), Jeju Stone Culture Park and Eco Land (155.33%), and Jeju Hangpaduri Mongol Invasion Historic Site (154.21%).

In June, the representative ponds of Jeju Island saw large increases in visitors compared to the previous month: Honinji Pond (368.18%), Hwasun Gotjawal Ecological Exploration Forest Trail (204.01%), Halla Ecological Forest and Jeju Horse Pasture area (134.79%), Eongtto Waterfall (130.26%), and Beachmi Oreum (121.36%) in that order.

Popular tourist sites in Jeju Island also differed by age group. Based on June visitors, the most visited site by people in their 20s was the Lee Jung-seop Culture Street; for those in their 30s, Ssangyong Cave and Hyeopjae Cave were most popular. People in their 40s and 50s frequently visited Seogwipo Maeil Olle Market, those in their 60s preferred Udo Seongsanpo Cruise, and visitors in their 70s most often went to the Jungmun Tourist Complex for sightseeing purposes.

Additionally, the age demographics of Jeju travelers have changed since the spread of COVID-19. In February, when COVID-19 became widespread, visitors in their 20s to Jeju Island decreased by 42.52% compared to the previous month, showing the largest decline. In May, visitors in their 30s increased by 44.99% compared to the previous month, marking the largest increase. In June, visitors in their 30s increased by 5.77% compared to the previous month.

Meanwhile, according to big data statistics released by KT, Gimpo Airport and Jeju Airport, used by domestic flight passengers, are rapidly recovering visitor numbers. In the case of Gimpo Airport, the number of users in February this year, when COVID-19 became widespread, dropped sharply by 39.28% compared to the previous month and by 25.35% compared to the same period last year. However, recovery began after March, and by May, about 20% recovery was achieved compared to the previous month.

Detailed information on KT's big data materials can be found on KT BigSight and the KT Telecom Big Data Platform. Kim Chae-hee, head of KT AI/Big Data Business Division, said, "We were able to confirm the travel trends changed by COVID-19 through big data statistics," and added, "KT will continue to provide useful information to customers and the public based on big data statistics."

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