Ulleungdo, Baengnyeongdo, and Other Ideal Tourist Destinations for Relaxation and Experience

'K-Tourism Island' Development in Full Swing... Joint Training Session for Local Governments

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Culture and Tourism Institute will hold a joint local government training session on the 20th in Ulleungdo to foster 'K-Tourism Islands.'

'K-Tourism Islands' is a project aimed at creating attractive islands through the fusion of tourism and K-culture. It is conducted on low-density, pristine islands in line with the travel trend that emphasizes relaxation and experiential travel.

In April last year, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism selected five locations as project sites: Geomundo in Yeosu; Maldo, Myeongdo, and Bangchukdo in Gunsan; Ulleungdo in Ulleung; Heuksando in Sinan; and Baengnyeongdo in Ongjin. The respective local governments established customized comprehensive tourism plans in November last year after consulting with experts.

According to the comprehensive tourism plans, approximately 10 billion KRW in project funds (5 billion KRW from the central government and 5 billion KRW from local governments) will be invested over four years for each island. The projects will be promoted through a public-private cooperative system composed of local residents, tourism operators, and local governments, focusing on opening tourism resources and content, strengthening tourism convenience service infrastructure, and establishing island-specific identities.

During the training session, the progress of each project, which has now entered full swing, will be reviewed. Challenges and issues encountered during project implementation will also be discussed. Kim Geun-ho, Director of Tourism Industry Policy at the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, stated, "We plan to explore development and cooperation measures with expert consulting committees," adding, "We also plan to provide opportunities to enhance understanding of the projects and experience the characteristics of island tourism (such as the Ulleungdo walking program)."

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism will focus on strengthening the capabilities of local governments through customized consultations until the project concludes in 2026. Furthermore, it plans to support the islands to function as sustainable tourist destinations thereafter. Director Kim said, "In the cases of Baengnyeongdo, Ulleungdo, and Heuksando, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport is also promoting the 'Small Island Airport Construction Project,'" adding, "We will expand tourism content tailored to the characteristics of the islands and prepare for a surge in tourists following the opening of the airports."

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