Gyeongju Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond, Andong Wolyeonggyo Bridge Top Night Views!... Gyeongbuk Night Tourism Attractions Selected by AI

Gyeongbuk Culture and Tourism Organization (President Kim Nam-il) announced on May 17 the results of its analysis of “Gyeongbuk Night Tourism Attractions,” which captured authentic voices from tourists by utilizing generative AI Gemini. This comes as the trend of “noctourism”—enjoying food, performances, and nightscapes after dark—continues to spread.

Gyeongbuk Culture and Tourism Organization conducted the analysis over the course of about a year starting in February 2025, drawing on data from various social media channels such as Instagram, YouTube, and blogs. According to the findings, night tourism in Gyeongbuk offers three distinct themes—history, nature, and modern sensibility—each presenting its own unique appeal.

Gyeongju Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond

The most popular destinations are undoubtedly Gyeongju and Andong. Gyeongju Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond, as well as the Wolyeonggyo Bridge in Andong, have become iconic “life shot” spots, thanks to their serene traditional beauty enhanced by nighttime lighting. In addition, Gimcheon Jikji Culture Park is recommended as the perfect place for those seeking tranquility and healing amidst the nighttime scenery of traditional temples.

For those wishing to escape city lights and enjoy the refreshing night sky, Yeongyang and Yeongcheon are ideal. In particular, Yeongyang International Dark Sky Park, the first in Asia to be designated a dark sky preserve, has quickly gained recognition as a “Star Michelin” destination and the best spot for capturing the Milky Way. Bohyeonsan Observatory in Yeongcheon was also highlighted as a must-visit site for an enchanting night immersed in cosmic wonder within nature.

Pohang’s Space Walk and Hwanho Park have seen a surge in mentions among younger visitors, due to their unique installations and ocean views. Annual events such as the Pohang International Fireworks Festival, which lights up the night sky, the Pohang Canal Cruise, and the Sanho Bridge in Gumi are regarded as the perfect locations for romantic dates with a dazzling backdrop of lights.

Night View of Wolyeonggyo Bridge in Andong

Analysis of social big data showed that positive sentiment keywords related to Gyeongbuk’s nightscapes have risen sharply compared to the previous year. Notably, keywords such as “emotional” (up 850%), “perfect” (up 533%), and “life shot” (up 117.2%) have shown strong growth, indicating that Gyeongbuk’s nighttime attractions are perfectly aligned with the latest travel trends that emphasize visual enjoyment.

Kim Nam-il, President of Gyeongbuk Culture and Tourism Organization, stated, “The night tourism attractions recommended by AI are based on genuine reviews from actual visitors, making them even more reliable sources of information.” He added, “I hope many people will create special memories by experiencing the diverse charms of Gyeongbuk’s nights.”

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