South Korea invests in tourist districts outside Seoul — Korea Herald
South Korea has launched a two-year program to support about six commercial districts outside Seoul that will develop tourism based on local culture, gastronomy and historical attractions. Each district can receive up to 5 billion won, or about $3.68 million, by the end of 2027, Korea Herald reports.
The initiative is coordinated by the Small Enterprise and Market Service. It provides for the creation of multilingual guides, the introduction of international payment services and tax refund services, improvements to pedestrian infrastructure, interactive tourism programs, and cooperation with content creators and influencers. The program is also intended to support local businesses and startups.
The selected locations include Seorak Rodeo in Sokcho, Octopus 1955 in Yeongju, Hwangnidan-gil in Gyeongju, as well as the Gyodong district in Daegu, the Dongmyeong district in Gwangju and the central commercial district of Seogwipo on Jeju Island.
Sokcho and Yeongju
The Seorak Rodeo district in Sokcho, Gangwon Province, has 443 businesses along Jungang-ro Street. The district is planned to be linked with the Sokcho Tourist & Fishery Market, Mount Seoraksan, the East Sea, Cheongcho Lake and the culinary traditions of Abai Village, which were shaped by migrants after the Korean War. A multilingual map with information on food, accommodation, shopping and attractions, as well as a center for luggage storage and tax refunds, is being prepared for tourists.
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Vacant premises in Seorak Rodeo are planned to be turned into media galleries, showrooms for local products and pop-up spaces for young entrepreneurs. Seasonal festivals, monthly local programs, street performances and cultural events are to be held there through 2027.
The Octopus 1955 district in Yeongju combines traditional markets and shopping streets near the railway station. Its gastronomic specialty is a local octopus dish with a tradition dating back about 70 years. It emerged after the Yeongdong Line opened in 1955, when octopuses from the east coast began to be delivered to the city by rail. The project is intended to combine this cuisine with local agricultural products, railway history and UNESCO World Heritage sites, including Sosu Seowon and Buseoksa Temple.
Services for foreign visitors
In Gyeongju, the program will be implemented in the Hwangnidan-gil district, where cafes, restaurants, independent bookstores and establishments in converted traditional hanok houses operate near the Daereungwon and Cheomseongdae landmarks. In 2025, the district was visited by about 11 million people, including about 300,000 foreigners.
International payment services, multilingual information and digital platforms for tourists are planned to be expanded there. The project also provides for support for local entrepreneurs, the development of products based on tourism content and regional specialties, and the creation of routes to neighboring commercial districts in central Gyeongju.
