Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Cho Yoonsun (third from right) poses for a picture with representatives from Gangneung Coffee Street at the 2016 Korea Tourism Awards held at the Silla Hotel on Dec. 8.
A selection of tour packages and promotional events run by businesses and local governments were spotlighted as the rising stars of Korean tourism at the 2016 Korean Tourism Awards held at the Silla Hotel on Dec. 8.
This year, a total of 13 prizes were awarded in 11 different categories, including eco-tourism, newest attractions and regional cuisine.
Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Cho Yoonsun delivers a congratulatory speech at the 2016 Korea Tourism Awards ceremony at the Silla Hotel on Dec. 8.
“Tourism is a dynamic sector that combines our natural, industrial and human resources. I see tourism as a cure-all that helps to push our country’s growth. With this in mind, our ministry will continue to collaborate with local governments to develop tourist attractions around the country, to further upgrade Korean tourism,” said Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Cho Yoonsun.
“The 1988 Seoul Summer Olympics was an opportunity for Korea to make itself known to the world. Thirty years later, the upcoming 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics and Paralympics is an opportunity to earn international recognition. During the Olympics, international tourists will visit cities in Gangwon-do Province such as Pyeongchang, Gangneung and Jeongseon. It’s important for us to seize the opportunity,” said the minister.
Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Cho Yoonsun (sixth from left) poses for a group photo with the 13 award winners at the 2016 Korea Tourism Awards at the Silla Hotel on Dec. 8.
This year, the prize for best practices in eco-tourism was awarded to Daegwallyeong (대관령), the main venue for the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics. The region, a mountain pass that runs between Pyeongchang and Gangneung in Gangwon-do Province, is known for its rolling hills and untouched pastures. The region’s agritourism provides a wide variety of activities, including day trips to the Daegwallyeong Sheep Farm, as well as tractor tours and horse-back riding.
The prize for the best food in the hospitality category was awarded to Gangneung Coffee Street (강릉커피거리), known as the coffee hub of Gangwon-do Province. The street is home to Bohemian Roasters, a cafe run by Park Echu, a prominent first-generation coffee barista as well as Korea’s first coffee factory and the Coffee Museum, located just around the corner. Visitors can enjoy a cup of strong brew while taking in the splendid views of the East Sea.
Finally, Jeju Island’s Jeolmul Natural Recreation Forest (제주도 절물 자연휴양림) took home the prize in the nature recreation category. The park has wheelchair-friendly paths with gentle slopes and plenty of resting areas, making it easy for anyone to venture up the hiking trail. At the top of the hill, especially on days with good weather, hikers can see the Seongsan Ilchulbong peak to the east, the Musucheon stream to the west and downtown Jeju to the north.
By Lee Hana
Korea.net Staff Writer
Photos: Jeon Han, Korea.net Photographer
hlee10@korea.kr
