JEONGSEON — Gangwon State’s iconic autumn landscape recently served as the backdrop for a unique regional tourism initiative. On November 7, the Gangwon Tourism Organization successfully hosted its "Weekend Santa in Jeongseon" campaign, drawing approximately 180 hikers to the majestic trails of Mindungsan Mountain.

Designed to complement the ongoing "20 Major Mountains of Gangwon" certification program, the event took full advantage of the mountain’s sweeping silver eulalia grass fields at their seasonal peak. To elevate the hiking experience, organizers placed hidden "Santa" figurines along the trails. Participants who tracked down the figures and shared photo verification received special rewards, injecting an element of playful exploration into the traditional climb.

Beyond recreation, the gathering emphasized environmental stewardship and community impact. Hikers actively participated in an autumn forest fire prevention campaign, pledging adherence to strict safety guidelines to protect regional timber and wildlife habitats.

Economic collaboration stood at the heart of the day's agenda. Organizers converted a portion of event registration fees into local vouchers—specifically Jeongseon Love Gift Certificates worth 5,000 won. Following their descent, participants naturally gravitated toward the nearby Gugongtan Market. There, visitors sampled local delicacies and immersed themselves in traditional market culture, directly injecting vital revenue into local small businesses.

"This program successfully showcased both Jeongseon's breathtaking natural scenery and the vibrant charm of its traditional markets," remarked Yoon Tae-hwan, a senior official at the tourism organization. "We look forward to developing more tourism models that seamlessly bridge Gangwon's magnificent mountain resources with community commerce."

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