Gangwon Tourism Foundation, Only Organization Nationwide Newly Selected Two Years in a Row for 'Tourism Service Competitiveness Enhancement Project'

by Lee jonggu

Published 16 Apr.2026 13:49(KST)

The Gangwon Tourism Foundation (hereinafter Foundation) announced on April 16 that, in collaboration with Taebaek City, local residents, and tourism businesses, it participated in the public competition for the "2026 Regional-Led Tourism Service Competitiveness Enhancement Project" organized by the Korea Tourism Organization and was ultimately selected. With this achievement, the Foundation has become the only organization nationwide to be newly selected for this project two years in a row, following Gangneung in 2025 and now Taebaek.

Gangwon Tourism Foundation (hereinafter Foundation) participated in the public contest for the "2026 Regional-Led Tourism Service Competitiveness Enhancement Project" and was finally selected. Provided by Gangwon Tourism Foundation

A total of 13 regional tourism-related institutions and organizations across the country applied for this competition. Following the document review, five institutions were selected for on-site evaluation. As a result of the on-site evaluation held on April 13 at the Untangodo 1330 Taebaek section, the Gangwon Tourism Foundation was selected as one of the final three institutions.

The "Regional-Led Tourism Service Competitiveness Enhancement Project" aims to improve the quality of regional tourism services by enabling local communities to identify and solve tourism service issues independently and spread successful cases as best practices. Selected institutions will receive national funding support for up to three years, and the Foundation will receive 100 million won in support for this year.

Through this project, the Foundation plans to systematically strengthen the service capabilities of tourism-related businesses in Taebaek City. The Foundation will implement hospitality service training, operate a community-based local tourism council based on Tourism Dure, develop resident-led local experience programs, and establish an on-site guidance system for businesses located along Taebaek's main tourism routes, including Untangodo 1330. These efforts aim to increase the convenience and satisfaction of tourists visiting Taebaek. As a result, the Foundation expects to see an increase in tourist stay duration and expanded tourism revenue for local small business owners.

Choi Sunghyun, CEO of the Gangwon Tourism Foundation, stated, "The service competitiveness at the local level is directly linked to Gangwon's global tourism competitiveness." He added, "We will do our utmost to ensure that Taebaek City, a leading coal industry transition region in the province, creates a world-class hospitality culture together with local residents and tourism businesses, allowing it to become a premier tourism city. At the same time, we aim to contribute to Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province's leap forward as a K-Global tourism capital."