After Social Distancing Lifted, Tourists Visiting 'Gangwon-do' Surge... Over 60,000 Daily on Average

117% Increase in Visits to 'Hongcheon Garisan Leisure Park' and 86% to 'Hoengseongho' Compared to Previous Month

'Hongcheon Garisan Leisure Park' [Hongcheon-gun]

[Asia Economy Reporter Ra Young-cheol] Despite fewer weekends after the lifting of social distancing, an average of about 60,000 tourists visited Gangwon-do daily, according to a survey.

The Gangwon-do Tourism Foundation announced on the 30th that "the total number of tourists visiting Gangwon-do in April was about 11.69 million, an increase of 22% compared to the previous year and 14% compared to the previous month."

According to the big data-based Gangwon tourism trend analysis revealed by the foundation, the increase in visitors to Gangwon-do in April compared to the previous year is estimated to be due to the lifting of social distancing (April 18) and better weather for outdoor activities compared to last year.

Before the lifting of social distancing in April, the average daily visitors were 360,000 (6 holidays), and after lifting, 420,000 (3 holidays). The increase compared to the previous month was analyzed to be due to the rise in spring outing tourists and the increase in visitors engaged in outdoor leisure sports such as golf.

Visitor data by city and county showed an increase in visitors in 16 cities and counties compared to the previous month and in 17 cities and counties compared to the previous year.

Tourists to the East Coast areas such as Gangneung and Yangyang increased significantly, leading the overall increase in visitors to Gangwon-do. In particular, inland areas such as Yanggu and Hoengseong also saw a large percentage increase compared to the previous month, resulting in increased visitors to most cities and counties in Gangwon-do in April.

The scale of tourism consumption in Gangwon-do in March this year was about 154.2 billion KRW, an increase of 31.4 billion KRW (+25.6%) compared to the previous month. It also increased by 11.4 billion KRW (+8%) compared to the previous year.

Per capita spending also rose from 1.199 in March this year to 1.319. Leisure consumption increased significantly (+51.2%) compared to the previous month, driving the overall consumption increase.

The food sector, which accounts for the largest portion of the four major tourism consumption categories, also showed a high growth rate (+24.6%) compared to the previous month.

Among major tourist spots, Hongcheon’s 'Garisang Leisure Park' saw a 117% increase compared to the previous month. 'Hoengseong Lake' experienced about an 88% increase in visitors compared to the previous month.

'Sokcho Beach' showed about an 81% increase in visitors compared to the previous month, and according to related search terms and navigation big data, the 'Ferris Wheel' located within the beach was identified as a major factor for the increase in stay-type visitors.

Won Moon-gyu, head of the Tourism Marketing Office, said, "Gangwon-do tourist spots have attracted many tourists to Gangwon-do following the lifting of social distancing," adding, "The foundation plans to continue marketing activities together with 18 cities and counties, including promoting Garisang Leisure Park."

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