How Cheongnamdae is Transforming Inbound Tourism: A 2-Day Educational Experience for Japanese Tourists

On the 5th, Chungbuk Province organized a collaborative meeting with key stakeholders to revitalize inbound tourism. The focus? Transforming Cheongnamdae, the former presidential retreat, into a captivating hub for educational tourism that encourages extended stays.

The gathering brought together representatives from Chungbuk Province, Cheongju City, Aero K, the Korea Tourism Organization’s Sejong-Chungbuk branch, the Chungbuk Cultural Foundation, and the Cheongnamdae Management Office.

During the meeting, participants brainstormed innovative strategies to entice foreign visitors arriving at Cheongju International Airport. The goal? To shift from the typical rush to Seoul and instead encourage tourists to linger in the region, boosting local economies through longer, more immersive stays.

Chungbuk Province has big plans for Cheongnamdae. Leveraging its unique status as a former presidential retreat and its top-notch accommodations and educational facilities, they aim to transform it into the go-to destination for foreign visitors seeking an enriching, extended stay. The vision? To create a win-win situation that benefits both the airport and regional tourism.

Japanese tourists are the primary Target for this exciting new initiative. The proposed itinerary? A minimum one-night, two-day stay at Cheongnamdae, packed with immersive experiences in history, nature, and wellness. For those craving more, extended itineraries linking nearby hotspots like Jecheon, Danyang, and even Seoul are in the works.

The province is hitting the ground running with their plans. March will see product development sessions, while April brings familiarization tours for major Japanese travel agencies. Based on the feedback, they’ll fine-tune their approach and ramp up marketing efforts.

Kim Jong-gi, director of Chungbuk’s Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, is thrilled about the potential. “Cheongnamdae’s stay-based educational tourism is a game-changer,” he enthused. “It’s not just about ticking off tourist spots anymore. We’re creating opportunities for visitors to truly immerse themselves in Chungbuk’s culture and beauty.” Kim added, “We’re committed to working hand-in-hand with our partners to create an inbound tourism model that delivers real, tangible results.”