Translation result
North Gyeongsang Province announced on April 9 that it will boost the competitiveness of its local tourism industry by building on the momentum from last year’s APEC summit in Gyeongju. The province plans to turn post-APEC interest into tangible gains through facility upgrades, fresh tour programs, and a renewed push to energize the MICE sector.
According to provincial data, more than 420,000 visitors came to Gyeongju in the fourth quarter immediately after the APEC summit—an increase of over 100,000 from 320,000 in the same quarter the year before—underscoring the summit’s strong impact. Riding that wave, the province is actively targeting Chinese tourists, who were the top source of visitors to Korea last year.
To attract large crowds during China’s Labor Day holiday and summer vacations, the province is rolling out tour packages that combine APEC legacy sites, UNESCO World Heritage spots, nature outings, and local food experiences.
Officials also aim to strengthen the MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions) industry around HICO (the Gyeongju Hwabaek Convention Center) and in regional hubs like Pohang, Gumi, and Andong. Next month, Gyeongju and Pohang will co-host the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) annual meeting, expected to draw about 350 government representatives, local officials, and industry professionals. In October, the province will mark one year since APEC with the World Gyeongju Forum, further leveraging the summit as a legacy asset.
The province will expand the facility upgrades carried out for the APEC summit and continue public campaigns to eliminate price gouging and raise civic awareness. It also plans to enhance nightscapes around the Bomun tourist complex and broaden tourism offerings. At the same time, officials are linking regional events—such as the Gimcheon Gimbap Festival and the Gumi Ramen Festival—to attract visitors, while continuing to develop tailored tourism programs for each area.
Hwang Myeong-seok, acting governor of North Gyeongsang Province, said, “Building on the successful APEC summit, we have declared this year ‘Visit Gyeongbuk Year’ and are actively working to attract visitors. We will lead tourism development by creating content that leverages Gyeongbuk’s strengths and by pursuing targeted marketing strategies.”
Most Commented