Gangwon Tourism Organization Expands from Walking to Running... Full-Scale Launch of 'Five Senses Trail' Project

The Gangwon Tourism Organization (CEO Choi Seonghyeon, hereinafter referred to as "the Organization") announced on April 1 that it will significantly expand its successful 'Five Senses Walking Tour' project from last year into the '2026 Five Senses Trail' project, which aims to further vitalize trail tourism in Gangwon.

'5 Senses Trail Certification Challenge' poster. Provided by Gangwon Tourism Foundation

The '2026 Five Senses Trail' project is a comprehensive initiative to boost trail tourism in Gangwon. It reflects the rising demand for active outdoor tourism, such as running and trail running, and is expanding from the existing walking-centric content to trail-based experiences that encompass both walking and running.

Furthermore, this project utilizes various local resources of Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province, including its natural environment, culture, and cuisine. It is designed as an experiential tourism program where visitors can 'see, hear, smell, taste, and feel' with their five senses. Participants can walk along notable trails throughout the province, enjoy a variety of prepared activities, and certify their participation, making it a 'comprehensive event program focused on experiences'.

As part of the program, the 'Five Senses Trail Certification Challenge' will run starting April 1. This is an ongoing participation event where visitors can freely visit and certify their passage through major trails in Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province. Anyone can easily join through the location-based BAC application.

Participants will complete the 'Five Senses Trail Certification' by passing through designated trail courses. Those who certify one course or complete all 18 courses will be eligible to win local gift certificates through a drawing. This year, the course difficulty levels have been further subdivided and running sections have been expanded to attract a wider range of visitors, including both general tourists and those interested in running and trail running. The Organization also plans to link the program with local tourist attractions and traditional markets to encourage longer stays and stimulate local consumption.

In particular, the '2026 Five Senses Trail' project is already attracting significant interest, with numerous inquiries coming in even before its official pre-release, thanks to the high participation and achievements of the 2025 'Five Senses Trekking' project. The Organization is preparing thoroughly to ensure that this high level of anticipation leads to actual participation.

Choi Seonghyeon, CEO of Gangwon Tourism Organization, stated, "We confirmed the strong demand for walking tourism through the 2025 Five Senses Trekking project, and in 2026, we aim to take a step forward with the 'Five Senses Trail', which combines both running and trail elements. Through more dynamic and participatory content, we will develop Gangwon into a leading destination for experiential tourism."

He added, "We will continue to discover and develop differentiated programs that align with evolving tourism trends, and expand projects that drive both increased tourist inflow and local economic revitalization."

Details on the '2026 Five Senses Trail' project’s Certification Challenge and participation methods will be provided through the Organization's official social media channels (SNS, Instagram) and the event’s official website.

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