SUNCHEON, JEONNAM PROVINCE – Suncheon City in Jeollanam-do announced on June 29 the selection of participants for its 2025 "Suncheon Diary" program, a unique stay-type tourism initiative designed to offer visitors an intimate experience of the city's distinct emotional landscape and daily life. This program underscores Suncheon's commitment to evolving into a "garden culture city" and a significant hub for experiential tourism in South Korea.

The "Suncheon Diary" is a participatory travel program inviting individuals to reside in Suncheon for a duration of 7 to 10 days, spanning from July to October. During their stay, participants will engage with various local content, including traditional markets, authentic village experiences, and vibrant local festivals. These immersive encounters are to be meticulously documented and shared via social networking services, creating a widespread narrative of Suncheon's appeal as an everyday travel destination.

The selection process saw an overwhelming response, with 68 teams, comprising 126 individuals, applying for the program. Notably, 64% of the applicants were in their 20s and 30s, and 58% hailed from the metropolitan area, highlighting a significant interest from younger demographics and urban residents in Suncheon's unique offerings. This strong engagement validates Suncheon's burgeoning reputation as an attractive stay-type destination for those seeking authentic cultural immersion beyond conventional tourist itineraries.

Selected participants will be accommodated in traditional "Suncheon Village Stay" lodgings, providing an authentic local living experience. The city is committed to supporting their journey by providing financial assistance for accommodation, meals, and various activity expenses, capped at 100,000 Korean Won per person per day. This strategic investment aims to foster the creation and dissemination of compelling content that accentuates Suncheon’s charm and accessibility as a prime travel location.

Suncheon, renowned for its ecological wonders and rich cultural heritage, offers a diverse array of attractions that resonate with experiential travelers. Key highlights include the globally recognized Suncheon Bay Wetland Reserve, a vital ecological site famed for its expansive reed beds and migratory bird populations, and the meticulously curated Suncheon Bay National Garden, a botanical marvel showcasing various themed gardens. The city is also home to historical sites such as the Naganeupseong Folk Village, a preserved traditional village where residents still live, offering a glimpse into Korea's past, and ancient temples like Seonamsa Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its serene beauty and traditional tea culture. For those interested in popular culture, the Suncheon Open Film Set provides an immersive journey through mid-20th century Korean streetscapes.

Beyond its natural and historical landmarks, Suncheon actively promotes its vibrant local economy and community life through initiatives like the Suncheon Aretjang Market. This historic "fifth-day market," the largest of its kind in Korea, transforms into a lively night market on weekends, offering a rich tapestry of local produce, street food, and traditional goods. The Suncheon Upper Market is celebrated for its renowned pork rice soup and features youth-run businesses, symbolizing the city's blend of tradition and modernity.

A city official emphasized, "The enthusiastic participation in 'Suncheon Diary' confirms Suncheon's growing appeal as a stay-type destination for young and metropolitan citizens. We will continue to implement diverse tourism policies to broadly share the daily life and profound emotions of Suncheon with the entire nation and beyond."

This program is part of a broader government initiative, with significant investment aimed at transforming the South Jeolla Province, including Suncheon, into a global K-tourism and cultural content hub by 2033. Suncheon's vision to establish an "animation cluster," dubbed "K-Disney Suncheon," and its "workcations" initiative, which blends work and leisure in picturesque settings like the Garden Stay, further illustrate its forward-thinking approach to attracting a new generation of visitors seeking authentic and enriching experiences. Suncheon is poised to cement its status as a leading destination for sustainable and culturally immersive travel in South Korea.