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- The Korea Herald
- Jan. 12, 2005
- By Cho Chi-hyun


Gyeonggi Province yesterday announced the year 2005 as "Visit Gyeonggi Korea," to promote the region's tourism industry.
Provincial government officials said the ambitious project will help advance Gyeonggi as a major tourist destination in Asia, attracting visitors with its culture and art.

Gyeonggi Gov. Sohn Hak-kyu hopes that more foreigners in Korea and abroad will visit the province, "The region has been the epicenter of Korea's culture and history for centuries, and is home to numerous historical artifacts, cultural sites and tourist attractions," he said at a news conference.

"We are preparing 10 international festivals and 50 local events this year," he added. "Among them, visitors will most likely enjoy the World Ceramic Biennale, the World Peace Festival and the Seoul Motor Show."

Gyeonggi will also offer a number of tour packages which are aimed for those with special interests such as pottery, Korean farms, shopping, sports, and pilgrimages for Buddhists and Christians.

"The region boasts an advanced transportation system and dozens of high-tech industries that are globally respected and competitive," Sohn said. "It's a highly developed network that can link the province to anywhere in the world."

The province accounts for a fourth of the nation's economy and one-sixth of the tourism industry.

"I'm confident that visitors to Gyeonggi will be surprised by the beauty of the Demilitarized Zone and Suwon Hwaseong Fortress," he said.

To overcome insufficient accommodation, the governor said home-stay programs will be provided by the state and 2,000 more rooms are planned to be built by 2010.

The project will be held throughout the year with the slogan "Gyeonggi Province: The Heart of Korea."


(sharon@heraldm.com)