[Joyongjun's Manri Yodam] 100 Korean Tourist Attractions... Shall We Try 'Dojang Kkaegi' in the Gyemyo Year?

Jo Yong-jun, Chief of Photography Department

Seoul's Five Grand Palaces and Jeju Olle Trail Selected for the 6th Time

Gogunsan Archipelago, Praised by CNN, Selected for the First Time

Tourism Infrastructure and Convenience Facilities Need to Be Reassessed

[Asia Economy] Cheongwadae Front Road, Haeundae & Songjeong Beaches, Inje Wondae-ri Birch Forest, Gogunsan Archipelago... South Korea's Top 100 Travel Bucket List has been revealed. It is the latest version of the nation's representative tourist attractions that both citizens and foreign tourists visiting Korea must see in 2023-2024.

According to the Korea Tourism 100 recently announced by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Tourism Organization, 61 cultural tourism resources such as historic sites, buildings, and amusement facilities, and 39 natural tourism resources such as forests and seas were selected. While past top 100 destinations were mainly focused on natural scenery, this year, historical culture and humanities tourism were equally highly valued alongside natural landscapes.

The Korea Tourism 100 selection began in 2013. Since then, it has been held every two years, with a total of six selections so far. Fourteen steady-seller tourist spots have been included in the top 100 every single time without exception.

Jeju Olle Trail, Jeonju Hanok Village, Gyeongju Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto, which remained popular healing spots even during the COVID-19 era, were selected. Each of these places is more than worthy in terms of reputation and charm. Seoul's five grand palaces, including Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung, which have gained more popularity following the opening of Cheongwadae, have maintained their status as nationally representative bucket list destinations.

On the other hand, 33 tourist spots were newly named for the first time. Regional natural attractions such as Seoul Forest and the cherry blossom spot Yeojwacheon in Changwon have newly taken their places.

Among the newly named places, one stands out particularly. Last week, the US CNN broadcast selected Jeonbuk's Gogunsan Archipelago as Asia's most underrated tourist destination. CNN introduced Gogunsan Archipelago in Korea as "a popular travel destination for those seeking relaxation away from the city, boasting beautiful scenery."

The night view of Gogunsan Archipelago, selected by CNN as the most underrated tourist destination in Asia. Gogunsan Archipelago was also chosen as one of Korea's Top 100 Tourist Attractions.

Let's take a closer look at Gogunsan Archipelago. It is located about 50 km southwest offshore from Gunsan City. Including Seonyudo Island, there are 63 islands stretching out, such as Sinsido, Munyeodo, and Bangchukdo, of which 16 are inhabited islands.

Seonyudo, often described as an island where immortals play, has become the hottest spot within the Gogunsan Archipelago, gaining popularity through media and social networks.

A policy official from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism explained, "The Top 100 Tourist Attractions symbolize attractive Korea, ranging from places where you can explore Korean culture to tourist spots harmonizing with nature."

There is an old saying, "Gwanju wiboo (貫珠爲寶)," meaning that even if you have a bushel of pearls, they only become treasures when strung well. Selection is important, but what should come first is creating an environment where tourists can visit comfortably.

Being selected in the Top 100 not only means attractiveness but can also be sufficient proof that the tourist spot itself has been verified. However, each local government should carefully review whether there are any shortcomings in tourist sites, accommodations, restaurants, transportation, and hospitality. There should be no cases where visitors downgrade the evaluation due to insufficient tourism infrastructure and convenience facilities.

COVID-19 is showing signs of resurgence. It is cautious to recommend traveling to the Top 100 destinations right now. It would be good to remember well and visit usefully once the outbreak subsides. One might even set a goal of completing a 'stamp rally' of all Korea Tourism 100 destinations. Hopefully, this Top 100 tourist attractions list will serve as an opportunity to revive local tourism and regional economies that have been stagnant due to COVID-19. We look forward to a happy travel year in the Year of the Black Rabbit, Gyemyo Year (癸卯年).

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