Gimpo City to Transform Aegibong and Hamsang Parks into Barrier-Free Smart Tourist Destinations

Gimpo City Selected as "Accessible Tourism Destination"
Aegibong and Hamsang Park to Receive 1 Billion KRW Investment
Creating an "Accessible Tourism Destination" with AI Robots and Electric Carts

Gimpo City in Gyeonggi Province (Mayor Kim Byungsoo) has been selected as a final recipient of the "2026 Accessible Tourism Destination Development Project," organized by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Tourism Organization, securing 500 million KRW in national funding. The city plans to add another 500 million KRW, investing a total of 1 billion KRW into the Accessible Tourism Destination Development Project.

Christmas tree lighting ceremony held at Aegibong in 2023. Provided by Gimpo City

The Accessible Tourism Destination Development Project is a national initiative aimed at creating a barrier-free tourism environment so that all users, including seniors, people with disabilities, and families with infants and young children, can enjoy tourist attractions without restrictions.

By participating in this project, Gimpo City aimed to enhance not only the physical accessibility of tourist sites but also to comprehensively improve software elements such as information systems and experiential content, thereby strengthening both accessibility and inclusivity in tourism. In particular, the city actively pursued this project with the understanding that public tourist destinations are a right for everyone and a public asset of the region, making the creation of an inclusive environment for the tourism vulnerable not a choice but a necessity.

The newly selected "2026 Accessible Tourism Destination Development Project" will focus on Aegibong Peace Ecological Park, a flagship tourist destination in Gimpo City that is expanding its presence as a global attraction, and Hamsang Park, which made headlines this July by offering free admission and introducing Korea’s first sunset dining experience aboard a warship.

Key initiatives include: ▲establishing electric carts and boarding areas for those with limited mobility ▲expanding rest areas for the elderly and families with infants ▲installing barrier-free ramps and other infrastructure improvements. In addition, the city plans to enhance content by introducing an AI guide robot and strengthening experience programs tailored to different types of disabilities, ensuring convenient access for all visitors.

In December, the city will sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with relevant organizations to strengthen cooperation for project implementation. After expert consulting, Gimpo City will establish detailed plans for the full-scale launch of the project in 2026.

Aegibong panoramic view. Provided by Gimpo City

Mayor Kim Byungsoo of Gimpo City stated, "Through the Accessible Tourism Destination Development Project, we will create a high-quality tourism environment that everyone can conveniently enjoy," adding, "We will continue to realize the intrinsic value of public tourist destinations and strive to become an inclusive tourism city open to all."

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