Two local governments in Gyeongsangbuk-do included among 11 nationwide selections

Gyeongju to feature a 4km coastal route, while Yeongdeok will showcase local fishing village culture through 1-night, 2-day stay-type tourism programs 

The east coast of Gyeongsangbuk-do has been designated as a highlight section of the Korea-Dulle-Gil. The cities of Gyeongju and Yeongdeok were selected in a joint public contest hosted by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Tourism Organization, securing a total budget of 1 billion won (including 500 million won in national funding).

The Korea-Dulle-Gil is a massive 4,500-kilometer walking trail network connecting the outer boundaries of the Korean Peninsula, including the East, West, and South coasts, as well as the DMZ border region. Following written and in-person evaluations competed by local governments nationwide, 11 regions were ultimately chosen, with two located in Gyeongsangbuk-do.

Focusing on the East Coast’s Haeparang Trail, Gyeongju and Yeongdeok plan to develop customized walking tour programs that highlight local characteristics. They will also package nearby tourist attractions with local accommodations, dining, and experience facilities to operate immersive 1-night, 2-day tourism packages.

Gyeongju: "King's Sea and Wave Path"

Gyeongju has designated a 4-kilometer specialized section stretching from Haseo Coastal Park through the Yangnam Jusangjeolli Wave Sound Road to Naa Beach under the theme "King's Sea and Wave Path."

Key Programs: Sound-walking utilizing the sounds of waves and wind, columnar jointing (jusangjeolli) geological guided tours, and coastal yoga and meditation.
Tourism Linkage: Combining marine, historical, and healing experiences by linking the project with Gampo Public Market and the Tomb of King Munmu.
Yeongdeok: Coastal Culture and Local Gastronomy
Yeongdeok will introduce tourism content combining fishing village culture and local delicacies centered on the coastal path from Yeongdeok Sunrise Park to Gyeongjeong Beach.

Key Programs: Haenyeo (female free-diver) culture experiences, Nordic sound-walking, local gourmet walking tours, and a family-friendly 1-night, 2-day ocean school.
Stay Extension: Establishing private rest areas linked with local accommodation and food service businesses, alongside consumption-promotion programs to encourage longer stays for travelers.
The Gyeongsangbuk-do provincial government expects this initiative to serve as a regional coexistence tourism model that adds local storytelling and hands-on experiences to walking tourism, thereby increasing tourist retention and local spending.

Park Chan-woo, Director-General of Culture, Sports, and Tourism at Gyeongsangbuk-do, stated, "This selection proves the exceptional competitiveness of Gyeongsangbuk-do's stunning coastal scenery and rich tourism resources. We will fully support the Korea-Dulle-Gil in establishing itself as a premier Korean walking travel destination where visitors can deeply experience local culture and stay an extra day."

[ⓒ Global Economic Times. 무단전재-재배포 금지]