Friday, July 4, 2025
In a significant move towards expanding its cultural tourism offerings, Yeongdong-gun has officially rebranded the Yeongdong Festival Tourism Foundation to the Yeongdong Cultural Tourism Foundation. The unveiling ceremony, held on July 4, marked a pivotal moment in the region’s efforts to boost its cultural tourism sector and prepare for the highly anticipated 2025 Yeongdong World Traditional Music & Art Expo. This new direction reflects the region’s commitment to not only celebrating its local traditions but also to attracting tourists from all around the world.
A New Era for Cultural Tourism in Yeongdong
The renaming of the foundation represents more than just a change in name—it signifies the evolution of Yeongdong’s tourism strategy. Mayor Jeong Yeong-cheol, who officiated the ceremony, was joined by Executive Director Park Soon-bok and the foundation’s staff at the unveiling, held at the foundation’s office in the Yeongdong Gymnasium. This is a clear indication that Yeongdong is prioritizing the enhancement of its cultural and tourism offerings in the lead-up to major international events.
Founded in March 2017, the Yeongdong Festival Tourism Foundation has been a central figure in organizing the region’s renowned festivals, including the Grape, Wine, Gugak (Korean traditional music), and Dried Persimmon Festivals. These festivals have brought local traditions to life and attracted visitors to the region, making them integral to Yeongdong’s tourism landscape. However, with the foundation’s expansion into cultural tourism, the goal is to create a more dynamic and multifaceted tourism environment that will engage visitors year-round, rather than just during festival times.
Expanding Beyond Festivals: The Future of Yeongdong’s Cultural Tourism
Under the new direction, the Yeongdong Cultural Tourism Foundation is set to broaden its scope. The foundation will take on a larger role in overseeing a Multi-Complex Cultural Arts Center, which will become a hub for various cultural performances, events, and exhibitions. This expansion is part of a larger vision to position Yeongdong as a cultural hotspot, attracting visitors with a mix of traditional and contemporary arts, performances, and festivals.
The inclusion of this new arts center signals a shift toward a more diversified tourism model. Visitors to Yeongdong will now have opportunities to experience a range of cultural activities throughout the year. From performances of traditional Gugak music to exhibitions of local art and dance, the city is making strides in creating a vibrant cultural tourism scene that appeals to international and domestic travelers alike.
In addition to cultural events, the foundation plans to enhance its tourism services with the introduction of several new initiatives. One of these is a tourism taxi service, which will offer a more personalized and convenient way for tourists to explore the region. This service will help visitors navigate the area’s cultural landmarks, natural attractions, and festival venues, making it easier for tourists to enjoy all that Yeongdong has to offer.
Furthermore, the foundation is organizing a tourism merchandise contest, which will encourage local artisans and businesses to create unique souvenirs that reflect the region’s cultural heritage. This initiative not only supports local businesses but also offers tourists the opportunity to bring home a piece of Yeongdong’s rich culture, further enhancing their travel experience.
Key Milestones in Yeongdong’s Tourism Development
Since its establishment, the Yeongdong Festival Tourism Foundation has made substantial contributions to the region’s tourism sector. Its efforts to promote festivals and local attractions have helped to position Yeongdong as a regional cultural destination. The recent management of the Wine Tunnel and Illite Healing Village is another example of the foundation’s commitment to diversifying Yeongdong’s tourism offerings. Under the foundation’s management for the 2023-2024 period, these two attractions will be further developed to offer visitors more engaging and unique experiences.
The Wine Tunnel, a popular destination for wine enthusiasts, offers tours that showcase the region’s rich viticulture history. Visitors can learn about local winemaking techniques, enjoy tastings, and explore the scenic beauty of Yeongdong’s vineyards. The Illite Healing Village, on the other hand, offers wellness and relaxation opportunities in a tranquil natural setting. This dual focus on culture and wellness is expected to appeal to a wide range of travelers, from those seeking relaxation to those interested in immersing themselves in Yeongdong’s artistic and culinary traditions.
The introduction of the Multi-Complex Cultural Arts Center and the development of additional tourism infrastructure, such as the tourism taxi service and the merchandising contest, will further solidify Yeongdong’s position as a leading cultural tourism destination in South Korea.
The 2025 Yeongdong World Traditional Music & Art Expo: A Major International Event
A key highlight in Yeongdong’s cultural tourism calendar is the upcoming 2025 Yeongdong World Traditional Music & Art Expo, scheduled to take place from September 12 to October 11, 2025. This month-long event will be held at two prominent venues: the Rainbow Healing Tourism Complex and the Gugak Experience Village. The Expo will showcase the best of traditional music and arts from around the world, with a focus on Korean Gugak music and dance. It is expected to attract thousands of international visitors, performers, and artists, positioning Yeongdong as a global cultural hub.
The Expo will not only celebrate traditional art forms but also foster cross-cultural exchange by inviting artists from different countries to participate in performances, workshops, and exhibitions. Visitors will have the chance to experience the beauty of traditional Korean culture while also learning about the music, dance, and art of other nations. The event promises to be a highlight for both tourists and cultural enthusiasts, offering an unparalleled opportunity to engage with global art forms in one place.
Conclusion: A Bright Future for Yeongdong’s Cultural Tourism Sector
The renaming of the Yeongdong Festival Tourism Foundation to the Yeongdong Cultural Tourism Foundation marks an exciting new chapter for the region. With the expansion of its cultural and tourism initiatives, Yeongdong is poised to become a major player in South Korea’s tourism industry. The region’s focus on cultural preservation, innovative tourism services, and its commitment to hosting large-scale international events like the 2025 Yeongdong World Traditional Music & Art Expo will undoubtedly attract more tourists and cultural enthusiasts in the years to come.
By diversifying its offerings and expanding beyond festivals, Yeongdong is setting itself up as a year-round cultural destination. With the support of both local and international visitors, the region is on track to establish itself as a must-visit destination in the world of cultural tourism. Whether you’re looking to explore Korea’s traditional music, experience local arts, or simply enjoy the beauty and hospitality of Yeongdong, the region is quickly becoming one of South Korea’s most promising tourism hotspots.
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