Visiting Wildfire-Affected Areas Is Not a Burden, but an Act of Donation

Jang Miran, Vice Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Visits Andong, North Gyeongsang Province
Meets with Local Governments and Tourism Industry Affected by Wildfires

"Don't feel sorry, traveling to Andong is a donation in itself."

This is the slogan of the ongoing campaign in Andong, North Gyeongsang Province, to attract outside tourists to areas affected by wildfires.

On the morning of April 24, Andong Deputy Mayor Jang Chulwoong introduced this slogan at a meeting between residents of wildfire-affected areas and the tourism industry, held at Andong Hahoe Village. He expressed concern that some tourists might avoid visiting wildfire-affected areas out of a sense of guilt. Deputy Mayor Jang emphasized that there is no need to feel sorry for not being able to help while Andong and other areas were suffering from wildfires, and that visiting the affected areas without hesitation is itself a way to help those regions.

Deputy Mayor Jang explained that under the slogan "Don't feel sorry, traveling to Andong is a donation in itself," benefits such as discounts on accommodations, taxis, meals, and admission fees to tourist attractions are being offered.

Jang Miran, Second Vice Minister of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (second from the left), is listening to an attendee's explanation at a meeting between residents of wildfire-affected areas and the tourism industry held on the 24th at Andong Hahoe Village.

The meeting was presided over by Jang Miran, Second Vice Minister of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, and was attended by about 20 people, including officials from local governments, the tourism industry, and related organizations. During the meeting, several participants, like Deputy Mayor Jang, stated that people from other regions do not need to feel sorry for residents of wildfire-affected areas.

Vice Minister Jang also emphasized in her opening remarks that it is important for many people to visit the affected areas without feeling guilty.

Vice Minister Jang said, "I was concerned that visiting the affected areas might be a burden, but after coming here and seeing the situation, I realized that it is truly important for many people to visit so that local residents can return to their daily lives." She added, "To encourage tourism to the affected areas, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism is launching the 'Travel+Companion Campaign.' Together with local governments, we will actively promote the campaign throughout the month of May."

Park Changgeun, Chairman of the Andong Tourism Association, also stressed that what the affected areas need most is visits from many tourists. Chairman Park said, "What Andong needs right now is visitors, and every visit becomes a donation. Even if you feel a bit uneasy, we are actually grateful for your visit. The citizens of Andong are handling the recovery, so tourists should feel free to come to Andong. That in itself is a donation and a way for local residents to become happier."

Jang Miran, the 2nd Vice Minister of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (second from the right), is touring Hahoe Village while listening to an explanation from Ryu Yeolha, Chairman of the Hahoe Village Preservation Society (first from the right) on the 24th.
Photo by Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism

Jang Miran, the 2nd Vice Minister of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, is touring Hahoe Village in Andong, Gyeongbuk, an area affected by the wildfire, along with officials on the 24th.
Photo by Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism

Andong is one of the areas that suffered the most damage from the wildfires that broke out simultaneously across the country recently. Kim Byunggon, Director of Culture, Tourism and Sports at North Gyeongsang Province, explained that the local economy has been severely depressed due to the wildfire damage.

Director Kim said, "During March, when the wildfires occurred, the number of tourists visiting North Gyeongsang Province decreased by 18% compared to the same month last year. In Andong, the number dropped by about 40%, and in Yeongdeok, where the coastline was completely burned, the situation is so serious that there are almost no tourists at all."

Before the meeting, Vice Minister Jang toured Hahoe Village with Ryu Yeolha, Chairman of the Hahoe Village Preservation Society, and others. Thanks to the efforts of firefighters and local residents, Hahoe Village did not suffer significant wildfire damage and is currently operating normally. However, due to the impact of the surrounding areas' wildfire damage, the number of tourists visiting Hahoe Village has also decreased significantly. Director Kim said, "The number of visitors to Andong Hahoe Village has dropped by more than 15% compared to a normal year, but psychologically it feels like a 40-50% decrease."

Vice Minister Jang emphasized, "The local economy is facing many difficulties, and it seems to be suffering even more due to these unexpected events. We will do our utmost to develop policies that will enable a swift recovery and revitalize local tourism."

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