Gangneung City Sees Record Number of Tourists During Chuseok Holiday, Up 57% from Last Year

A Variety of Welcome Events Highlight Gangneung
Safe Travel Destination Thanks to End of Drought

According to an analysis of tourist trends by Gangneung City in Gangwon Province, approximately 1.37 million tourists visited Gangneung during the seven-day Chuseok holiday period, marking the highest number of visitors during a holiday in the city’s history.

During the seven-day Chuseok holiday period, approximately 1.25 million tourists visited Gangneung, marking the highest number of visitors during a holiday in history. Provided by Gangneung City

This figure represents an increase of about 57% compared to last year’s 870,000 visitors. In particular, on Chuseok Day itself, October 6, a record-breaking 238,000 people visited, setting a new single-day high. Highway traffic also surged from 194,000 vehicles during last year’s Chuseok to 273,000 this year, while the number of railway passengers was recorded at 47,000.

Gangneung City identified the extended holiday period and the resolution of the drought in Gangneung, which attracted more tourists, as the main factors behind this increase.

To create memorable experiences unique to Gangneung for tourists during the holiday, the city held various “Chuseok Holiday Tourist Welcome Events” at popular destinations such as Gyeongpo Beach, Wolhwa Street, and the Heo Gyun and Heo Nanseolheon Memorial Park, drawing significant attention.

From October 4 to 5, traditional games, a moonlight hanbok shop, and tea ceremonies were featured as part of the “Gangneung Night Tour” at Daedohobu Government Office and the Heo Gyun and Heo Nanseolheon Memorial Park. On the evening of October 7, a “Hanbok Concert” was held at Gyeongpo Beach. From October 7 to 9, the Gyeongpo Travel Center hosted tea, coffee, and traditional Korean confectionery experiences, busking performances, Gangneung Nongak, Gwanno Mask Dance Theater performances, and folk game events. Additionally, at the Ojukheon Municipal Museum, various traditional folk game experiences were offered, with a wide range of events taking place throughout Gangneung City.

Eom Geummun, head of the Tourism Policy Division, expressed gratitude, saying, “We thank the many tourists who visited Gangneung this Chuseok. We will prepare even more enriching events to welcome visitors during next year’s holidays.”

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