Dongducheon City Unveils Mid- to Long-Term Comprehensive Development Plan... Vision for a Storytelling-Based Culture and Tourism City

by Lee jonggu

Published 26 Sep.2025 10:03(KST)

Dongducheon City in Gyeonggi Province has presented key strategies for the culture and tourism sector as part of its mid- to long-term comprehensive development plan. The city aims to become a stay-type tourism destination by leveraging its abundant natural resources and unique identity, while focusing on enhancing citizens’ quality of life by expanding access to cultural experiences and recreational sports.

A panoramic view of Dongducheon City Hall. Provided by Dongducheon City

The Korea Institute of Local Autonomy and Economy, which was tasked with formulating the strategy, analyzed Dongducheon’s cultural and tourism environment and concluded that the city’s competitiveness is limited due to short visitor stays, a lack of accommodation and convenience facilities, and relatively weak cultural and sports infrastructure.

In particular, the Soyosan area, despite its national recognition, suffers from low revisit rates due to a lack of stay-type content, while the Bosandong Foreign Tourist Zone is considered less competitive due to outdated facilities and a weakened brand. Although the foundation for participation in recreational sports is growing, there is a shortage of professional sports facilities and resident-friendly programs, making it difficult for all generations to enjoy these activities together.

A survey of 2,205 citizens revealed the main demands as follows: ▲ development of themed tourist attractions (34.0%), ▲ expansion of professional sports facilities (32.8%), ▲ more programs for viewing culture and arts (27.1%), and ▲ improvement of cultural and arts spaces and facilities (26.9%). Interviews also highlighted the need to expand retreat-type accommodations in the Soyosan area, strengthen sports infrastructure such as park golf courses and ice rinks, revitalize the Bosandong tourist district, and establish a brand for the Dongducheon Rock Festival.

Based on these findings, the institute proposed expanding stay-type tourism infrastructure centered on Soyosan as a core task. Comprehensive infrastructure plans include establishing a pet theme park, park golf course, and Soyonaeum Park, attracting an international skating rink, and creating an ice sports academy center. The institute also emphasized the need to transform the area into a destination where visitors stay longer by operating seasonal experience and healing programs and themed courses.

Additionally, three implementation strategies were proposed.

First, strengthening culture and tourism linked to local assets. Plans include enhancing the competitiveness of the Bosandong Foreign Tourist Zone through landscape improvements and remodeling, creating a specialized street that incorporates graffiti and public art, and expanding cultural events connected to the local commercial district. The strategy also calls for developing Sorieummadang as a hub for both traditional and modern culture and arts, and expanding support for cultural organization projects to foster creative and artistic activities.

Second, expanding community-based sports and leisure infrastructure. Suggestions include operating customized sports clubs for different life stages, training professional instructors and coaches, and supporting resident-participation sports competitions and club activities. There was particular emphasis on expanding recreational sports such as running crews, new sports, and park golf to meet new demand and to create an environment where all generations can enjoy health and leisure together.

Third, providing smart culture and tourism services. The strategy recommends establishing a comprehensive tourism plan that systematically manages local resources by organizing all annual schedules, locations, and events for efficient operation. It also proposes activating citizen-participation festivals and interactive cultural events such as the DDC Sports Park Festival, and launching commemorative merchandise projects in collaboration with local businesses to maximize local economic impact. Furthermore, the plan includes introducing multilingual information systems and integrated reservation and payment platforms to strengthen the foundation for attracting international tourists.

This strategy serves as a comprehensive roadmap that encompasses the core tasks centered on Soyosan and the three main implementation pillars, with a focus on enhancing the city’s competitiveness by linking culture, tourism, and sports. Dongducheon City plans to supplement and review detailed strategies through future research and ultimately develop them into a more advanced plan.

Park Hyungdeok, Mayor of Dongducheon City, stated, "Culture and sports are the sources of happiness that citizens feel most immediately in their daily lives. Based on this mid- to long-term development plan, we will create a stay-type culture and tourism city where citizens can feel a sense of pride."