SANCHEONG, South Korea – Nestled in the embrace of the majestic Jirisan National Park, Sancheong County in Gyeongsangnam Province is actively seeking long-term tourists with its unique "Stay and Experience Sancheong" project. Leveraging its untouched natural beauty and rich history, the county, in collaboration with Gyeongsangnam Province, aims to attract visitors who wish to immerse themselves in the local culture and environment for an extended period. Applications for the "Stay and Experience Sancheong" program are open until June 30th, offering participants accommodation and activity fee support while they explore and promote the diverse charms of Sancheong.

This initiative goes beyond conventional tourism, focusing on providing participants with an in-depth experience of Sancheong's culture and nature. The county is particularly interested in recruiting individuals or teams of two (aged 19 or older and residing outside Gyeongsangnam Province) who are active on personal social media channels and can vividly share the allure of Sancheong. This strategic approach taps into current travel trends, aiming to enhance Sancheong's recognition and attract potential tourists through participants' firsthand accounts.

Selected participants will have the opportunity to stay in Sancheong for a period ranging from a minimum of four nights to a maximum of 29 nights, during which they can create and execute their own travel itineraries. During their stay, they will receive support for accommodation (up to 70,000 KRW per day per team) as well as entrance fees to major tourist attractions like Donguibogam Village and Namsa Yedamchon, and expenses for various experiential activities (up to a total of 70,000 to 100,000 KRW per person). Participants can enjoy trekking and meditation in the scenic Jirisan mountains, partake in herbal medicine-themed programs befitting Sancheong's reputation as the "hometown of medicinal herbs," soak in the traditional atmosphere of the Namsa Yedamchon Hanok village, and even visit during local festivals like the Sancheong Herbal Medicine Festival.

Sancheong County is renowned for its clean water and fresh air, and its location within the Jirisan National Park makes it an ideal destination for wellness tourism. The natural environment, conducive to stress relief and relaxation, combined with attractions like the Donguibogam Village, where visitors can experience traditional Korean medicine, and the beautifully preserved traditional houses of Namsa Yedamchon, offer a genuine respite for those weary of urban life. Notably, Sancheong is pioneering wellness tourism by offering herbal healing experience programs that capitalize on the region's abundance of diverse medicinal herbs.

Sancheong County Mayor Lee Seung-hwa expressed his optimism for the program, stating, "We anticipate that this 'Stay and Experience Sancheong' program will serve as an opportunity to reignite travel, which was temporarily halted due to COVID-19, and inject new vitality into Sancheong." He further emphasized the county's commitment to continuously improving tourism infrastructure and developing attractive content to ensure visitors remember Sancheong as a destination they wish to revisit. The county plans to develop more long-stay programs that highlight the unique characteristics of the region, aiming to establish Sancheong as an appealing destination for immersive and healing tourism, not just a fleeting stop.

The "Stay and Experience Sancheong" project presents a valuable opportunity for participants to experience the diverse attractions of Sancheong without significant financial burden. For Sancheong County, it is expected to generate new tourism demand and contribute to the revitalization of the local economy. For those seeking healing amidst the pristine nature of Jirisan, Sancheong promises an unforgettable month-long sojourn.

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