Culture Ministry Selects 8 Locations Including Sinan Purple Island as '2021 Korea Tourism Stars'

Scenic view of the Purple Island embankment in Sinan-gun, Jeollanam-do.

[Asia Economy Reporter Donghyun Choi] The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Tourism Organization announced on the 21st that they have selected eight places, including Sinan Purple Island, as the '2021 Stars of Korean Tourism.'

Started in 2010 and now in its 11th year, the 'Stars of Korean Tourism' has selected a total of 106 sites, including 65 tourist destinations. This year, focusing on tourism resources that comforted the public weary from the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic, eight places were selected across six categories: four in three main award categories and four in three special award categories. Notably, a new special award category was established for 'tourist destinations, businesses, or programs with high environmental and social sustainability.'

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism selected 'Seogwipo Healing Forest' as a 'tourist destination with outstanding intrinsic charm.' Located at an altitude of 400 to 760 meters on Hallasan Mountain, 'Seogwipo Healing Forest' offers forest trails, outdoor healing spaces, and a 'Healing Center' based on pristine natural resources. It operates forest recreation programs such as the 'Forest of Consolation,' providing rest to citizens exhausted by COVID-19. It also contributes to revitalizing the local economy by collaborating with local residents.

'Suwon Hwaseong Night Tourism' and 'Sinan Purple Island' were named Stars of Korean Tourism in the category of 'tourist destinations that created new attractions.' 'Suwon Hwaseong Night Tourism' expanded the traditional daytime-focused tourism at the World Cultural Heritage site Suwon Hwaseong by creating media art and illuminated walking paths, offering visitors a new experience through night tourism. 'Sinan Purple Island' was inspired by the island's native purple balloon flower and bee balm, and based on the concept of 'an island blooming with purple flowers all year round,' it presented tourists with unique and beautiful scenery. Particularly, the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) selected 'Sinan Purple Island' as the '2021 Best Tourism Village' for its excellent collaboration with local residents.

In the category of 'tourist destinations with sufficient consideration for vulnerable tourists,' 'King Canoe Dock' received high praise. 'King Canoe Dock' is an open travel destination where visitors can easily enjoy the beautiful scenery of Uiam Lake. It installed braille maps and tactile maps for visually impaired visitors and improved accessibility for vulnerable tourists through professional guides called 'Kingsmen.' One side of the canoe is open, allowing easy access for wheelchairs and strollers without burden.

In the category of 'new tourist destinations with unique charm and expected future growth,' Jeju's '9.81 Park' was selected. '9.81 Park' is an amusement park where visitors can experience various races that combine sports and games using advanced technologies such as automotive engineering and the Internet of Things (IoT).

Director Hwang Dong-hyuk of the globally beloved 'Squid Game' and the Oji Fishing Village Cooperative in Seosan City, Chungcheongnam-do, featured in the popular Korean tourism overseas promotional video (Feel the Rhythm of Korea Season 2) 'Seosan Mud Max' episode, were selected as 'Stars of Korean Tourism' in the category of 'people who contributed to the activation of Korean tourism through popular culture.'

In the newly established category of 'tourist destinations, businesses, or programs with high environmental and social sustainability,' the 'Hadong Resident Fair Travel Nolruwa Cooperative' was selected. This cooperative was created by experts, local residents, and urban youth together. It plans and operates alternative travel reflecting regional characteristics such as Jirisan Mountain, Seomjingang River, and tea culture, collaborates with local businesses, and pursues sustainable tourism by conducting cultural projects and education, presenting a direction for the future of rural villages.

Oh Young-woo, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, said, "I express my gratitude to the recipients of the 'Stars of Korean Tourism' who comforted the public during the difficult times of the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic," and encouraged, "I hope many more 'Stars of Korean Tourism' will continue to brighten the happiness of the people of the Republic of Korea and embellish the Korean tourism industry."

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