Published on
September 25, 2025

Defending South Korea’s interests has already been undertaken by the new South Korean leader, who announced investing on structural adjustments and proactive solutions on the issue of tourism and local economy dovetailing. Considering the K-contents, which K-pop and K-movies, along with K-traditional culture’s spun up during the meeting’s 10th session of the National Tourism Strategy, South Korea’s Primer has pinpointed focusing K-tourism integration with K-content explosion on K-pop and K-movies. This is aimed at turbocharging the regional economy on the back of K-tourism, which should flow in discouragingly high volumes.

Fostering a Harmonized Growth Between Tourism and the Content Industry

At the heart of Prime Minister Kim’s vision is the belief that South Korea’s content industry, which has made significant strides internationally, can serve as a driving force for tourism. A recent survey revealed that nearly half of the approximately 16 million foreign tourists who visited South Korea last year were influenced by K-contents, including K-pop music, movies, and traditional Korean culture. This growing global influence of K-contents has had a tangible impact on South Korea’s tourism sector, drawing millions of international visitors eager to experience the country’s rich culture firsthand.

Prime Minister Kim emphasized that the government would focus on fostering the K-contents cultural and tourism industries as one of the nation’s key strategic sectors in the coming years. This shift aligns with broader efforts to support the creative economy and position South Korea as a global hub for cultural exchange and innovation. By integrating these industries, the government aims to create a sustainable, long-term model for growth, where tourism, content, and the regional economy can mutually benefit and support each other.

Improving Infrastructure for a Seamless Tourist Experience

One of the key challenges identified by Prime Minister Kim during the meeting was the need to address the inconveniences foreign tourists often face upon arrival in South Korea. He highlighted issues such as difficulties with public transportation, finding suitable accommodations, shopping, and making payments, which can detract from the overall visitor experience. The Prime Minister acknowledged that these obstacles hindered South Korea’s ability to fully capitalize on the potential of its tourism industry.

To resolve these issues, the South Korean government has pledged to introduce a series of regulatory reforms and policy measures aimed at making the country’s tourism infrastructure more user-friendly. These reforms will focus on improving the accessibility of public transportation for international visitors, streamlining the lodging and booking process, enhancing the shopping experience, and making payment systems more convenient for tourists, particularly those from abroad who may struggle with language barriers and unfamiliar payment methods.

The government is also looking to implement smart tourism technologies that will provide tourists with real-time information, personalized recommendations, and easy navigation through South Korea’s bustling cities and scenic landscapes. This will not only improve the overall experience for foreign visitors but also increase the efficiency of the country’s tourism operations, making it easier for both locals and tourists to navigate South Korea’s infrastructure.

Supporting Regional Economies Through Tourism Development

In addition to boosting tourism, Prime Minister Kim’s pledge also includes a focus on regional economic growth. He recognized that while Seoul remains the central hub for tourism, other regions of South Korea also hold significant potential. The government’s plan is to promote tourism development across the entire country, encouraging visitors to explore beyond the capital and visit cities and towns throughout South Korea.

By diversifying the tourism offerings and spreading visitors across various regions, the government aims to help address regional economic disparities. This strategy will not only ease overcrowding in popular tourist areas like Seoul but also provide economic opportunities for smaller towns and rural areas. Through targeted investments in local infrastructure and the promotion of regional tourism, the government seeks to create a more balanced economic landscape that benefits both urban and rural communities.

Regional tourism development will be particularly important for South Korea’s less-visited areas, which may struggle to attract foreign tourists due to a lack of amenities or accessibility. The government plans to focus on developing niche tourism offerings such as eco-tourism, wellness tourism, and cultural tourism, which can attract a wide range of international visitors while preserving the unique heritage and natural beauty of the regions.

Promoting Sustainable and Inclusive Tourism

Sustainability is also a key component of Prime Minister Kim’s tourism strategy. The government is committed to promoting responsible tourism practices that benefit both tourists and local communities. This includes efforts to reduce the environmental impact of tourism, such as improving waste management, supporting eco-friendly accommodations, and promoting sustainable travel options. The government will also prioritize inclusivity in its tourism policies, ensuring that all visitors, regardless of background or ability, have access to the country’s attractions and services.

A major part of this initiative will involve ensuring that regional tourism development is carried out in a way that respects local cultures and traditions. This includes promoting cultural exchange programs, supporting local artisans, and encouraging sustainable practices in the hospitality industry. By emphasizing sustainable and inclusive tourism, the government aims to ensure that the benefits of tourism are long-lasting and can be enjoyed by future generations.

Key Focus on Upcoming APEC Summit and Regional Innovation

As part of its broader strategy to promote regional tourism, Prime Minister Kim mentioned that South Korea is preparing to host the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Gyeongju next month. The summit will bring together leaders from the U.S., China, and other major economies, offering a significant opportunity to showcase South Korea’s tourism potential to an international audience.

Prime Minister Kim stressed that the summit will serve as a platform for regional collaboration and innovation in tourism. By bringing together tourism stakeholders from the Asia-Pacific region, the government aims to foster dialogue and cooperation on issues such as sustainable tourism practices, digital tourism technologies, and the promotion of cultural exchange. This international gathering will be a major step forward in advancing South Korea’s tourism goals and strengthening its position as a leading tourism destination in the region.

A Comprehensive Strategy for Tourism and Economic Growth

Prime Minister Kim Min-seok has pledged to bolster South Korea’s tourism sector and regional economies which demonstrates his desire to develop tourism in more innovative and inclusive ways. By concentrating on responsive regulatory alterations, infrastructure investment, and regional tourism development, the government seeks to develop an ecosystem that delights inbound visitors and local communities.

The K-contents industry is fascinating global audiences, and this represents an opportunity for South Korea which is able to capitalize on this influence to spur tourism and grow the economy. The tourism potential for the country is almost limitless as it is able to host the coming APEC summit and it is poised to become a global tourism leader that sets fresh and innovative standards on the use and interaction of content, culture, and travel.