Aegibong Peace Ecological Park Draws Attention from Foreign Media in Seven Countries... Rises as a Leading Case of Global Security Tourism Success

Kim Byungsoo, Mayor of Gimpo, Holds Interview with Foreign Correspondents from Seven Countries Including South Africa, India, and the Czech Republic
Discusses the Secrets Behind Aegibong's Rapid Rise as a Global Tourist Destination
Foreign Media Focus on Strategies for Promoting Border Area Safety and Growth

Aegibong Peace Ecological Park, which has become a venue for harmony beyond national and ethnic boundaries, has firmly established itself as a leading global case of security tourism representing South Korea.

Mayor Kim Byungsoo shaking hands with an Indian journalist. Provided by Gimpo City

Gimpo City announced that on October 31, Mayor Kim Byungsoo of Gimpo held an interview with leading foreign correspondents from seven countries-South Africa, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Turkey, the Philippines, India, and Thailand-on the topics of Aegibong Peace Ecological Park and border security tourism.

This interview was part of the 10th Overseas Media Invitation Program DMZ Project organized by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. Through a Q&A session with journalists, it was demonstrated that Aegibong Peace Ecological Park has made significant contributions not only to changing perceptions of border areas but also to dispelling the so-called "Korea discount."

On this day, the foreign correspondents from the seven countries focused on the factors that led to Aegibong Peace Ecological Park's rapid rise as a tourist destination and its unique competitive strengths. They asked specific questions about how the park overcame the stereotype of border tourism as dangerous and bleak, and how it has transformed into a global cultural and complex tourism site.

A Czech journalist remarked, "It feels surreal to be in a place so close to North Korea. Security tourism always raises safety concerns. What is the best way to convince those who hesitate due to safety worries?" In response, Mayor Kim Byungsoo said, "Aegibong is a place where vague anxieties can actually be alleviated. The fact that people can easily visit and tour a security site helps normalize perceptions. The more people visit and experience the site, the more they can overcome unfounded fears."

Mayor Kim Byungsoo introducing Aegibong's merchandise to foreign media. Provided by Gimpo City

A journalist from Thailand asked about the reasons behind the surge in tourists to Aegibong. Mayor Kim Byungsoo replied, "The first step in developing a tourist destination is to make people aware of its existence. In the process of figuring out how to attract more visitors, we connected Aegibong with international and familiar brands, making its presence known. In addition, as more people shared their experiences, this positive feedback loop fueled further growth."

A Hungarian journalist inquired about the changing perspectives of younger generations toward North Korea. Mayor Kim Byungsoo answered, "There are differences in perspective among generations before the war, immediately after the war, and those born in the 70 years since. Through Aegibong, where North Korea is visible right in front of you, people who may not have felt the reality in their daily lives are given an opportunity to reflect on the nation and unification once again."

Meanwhile, overcoming the geographical limitations of being a border area, Aegibong Peace Ecological Park has established itself as a global tourist destination. It was ranked second in the 'Nationwide Hot Places for July 2025' announced by Korea Tourism Data Lab, solidifying its status as one of the top tourist destinations in the country.

Mayor Byungsoo Kim held a press conference with foreign correspondents from seven countries including South Africa, Hungary, Czech Republic, Turkey, the Philippines, India, and Thailand on the 31st, focusing on Aegibong Peace Ecological Park and border security tourism. Provided by Gimpo City

Since Mayor Kim Byungsoo took office, Gimpo City has pioneered new initiatives, including launching night openings in cooperation with military units for the first time, hosting the world's first international academic conference on automobile racing, receiving visits from commanders of the Pacific Marine Symposium, Nobel Prize-winning authors, and the Bulgarian Journalists Association, and holding a series of global events that have drawn worldwide attention. In particular, after the opening of Starbucks at the Aegibong Observatory, more than 30 domestic and international media outlets intensively covered the site, introducing it as a unique tourist attraction to the world. The number of visitors has more than tripled, with foreign visitors increasing sevenfold and visitors from outside the region tripling as well, demonstrating a clear growth trend and establishing Aegibong as a global landmark.

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