GOESAN — The scenic county of Goesan recently took center stage at the annual Goesan Kimchi Festival, showcasing a vibrant array of new industrial tourism programs and culturally rich travel itineraries. Co-organized by Goesan County and the Chungbuk Culture and Arts Foundation, the promotional showcase aimed to revitalize regional tourism by highlighting local industries and creative travel routes.

The campaign heavily featured the "Knowledge Respect Project," a regional revitalization initiative spearheaded by the Daesang Group. This project has reimagined Goesan as a premier destination for success and academic fortune—locally dubbed a place that "brings good luck in passing exams."

Blending Local Industries with Hands-On Tourism

Festival-goers were introduced to unique industrial tourism experiences rooted in Goesan’s thriving beekeeping and seaweed sectors. Programs hosted at the Honeybee Land and the Park Hyang-hee Kim Experience Workshop drew enthusiastic crowds. Originally offering partial cash-voucher refunds, the overwhelming demand led organizers to pivot successfully by offering premium local seaweed product sets to participating visitors.

Retracing Ancient Scholar Footsteps

One of the standout highlights of the showcase was the debut of the "Sticky Rice Cake Pass Road." Inspired by the historical journeys of Joseon-era scholars traveling to Seoul (Hanyang) for state civil service exams, the modern travel route weaves together Goesan’s most breathtaking natural and historical landmarks. Travelers are guided through iconic spots such as the legendary Wishing Scholar Tree, Yeonpung Saejae Pass, and Suok Waterfall, offering a seamless blend of heritage and leisure.

To engage younger travelers and families, organizers set up a themed photo zone near the Wishing Scholar Tree, allowing visitors to capture commemorative "four-cut" photos celebrating academic success and personal milestones.

Michelin-Caliber Flavors from Local Harvests

Culinary enthusiasts were treated to the highly anticipated tasting sessions of "Sticky Rice Cake Pass Food." Featuring innovative recipes crafted by a Michelin 3-star chef and a star chef from the hit Netflix series Culinary Class Wars, the special menu reimagined traditional local ingredients into gourmet experiences. Served twice daily to survey participants, the dishes received rave reviews for their distinct flavors and creative presentation.

"Our goal was to bring together Goesan's industrial strengths, newly curated tourist spots, and exceptional local cuisine into a single, cohesive experience," said Kim Kyung-shik, CEO of the Chungbuk Culture and Arts Foundation. "We hope these engaging initiatives will translate into long-term tourism growth and inspire travelers to experience Goesan firsthand."

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