Seoul, South Korea – The Seoul Tourism Organization (STO) officially launched its third “Seoul Hiking Tourism Center” at the foot of Gwanaksan Mountain on April 24th, marking a significant step in its efforts to diversify tourism offerings and attract more international visitors to the city's natural landscapes. Following the successful establishment of similar centers at Bukhansan and Bugaksan mountains, the new Gwanaksan center aims to leverage the accessibility and scenic beauty of Gwanaksan to provide specialized services and curated experiences for foreign hikers.
The grand opening ceremony, held at Eotteum Park near the Gwanaksan Mountain entrance, was attended by Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon, members of the Seoul Metropolitan Council's Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee, the Mayor of Gwanak-gu District, the Chairman of the Gwanak-gu Council, and members of the newly formed “Global Hiking Mate” program, among approximately 200 guests.
Prior to the official opening, attendees toured the facilities located on the underground floor of Gwanaksan Station on the Shinlim Subway Line. The center, which has been operating on a trial basis since November of last year, boasts excellent accessibility for both locals and tourists arriving via public transportation. Guests received detailed explanations of the services offered, which are specifically tailored to the needs of international visitors.
The Seoul Hiking Tourism Centers are a strategic initiative by the STO to capitalize on Seoul's extensive and well-maintained mountain infrastructure, transforming it into a unique and appealing tourism product for foreigners. The centers provide a range of essential services, including multilingual information in English, Japanese, and Chinese, and affordable rentals for hiking gear such as boots, clothing, trekking poles, and crampons (for winter hiking). Crucially, the centers also offer comprehensive information on various hiking trails within Gwanaksan and the surrounding areas, along with broader tourism information about Seoul.
Following the facility tour, a celebratory ceremony took place at Eotteum Park, featuring remarks from key officials. Mayor Oh Se-hoon emphasized the growing number of international tourists visiting Seoul and the necessity of developing unique, longer-stay content to boost domestic consumption. He expressed his high expectations for the Gwanaksan center to serve as a crucial base for hiking tourism and contribute significantly to attracting 30 million foreign tourists to Seoul.
After the formal opening, the attendees participated in a guided hike along the Gwanaksan forest trails, experiencing firsthand some of the mountain's key attractions, including the Hwangto (red clay) path and the scenic valley camping forest. This immersive experience highlighted the natural beauty and accessibility that Gwanaksan offers to hikers.
The Gwanaksan center has already demonstrated its potential as a popular destination for hiking tourism, attracting an average of over 6,000 visitors per month during its trial operation period. Its strategic location within the subway station ensures easy access for independent travelers who prefer using Seoul's efficient public transportation system.
To commemorate its official opening, the Gwanaksan center is offering free rental of hiking equipment to foreign visitors until June 30th. This special promotion aims to encourage more international tourists to experience the joys of hiking in Seoul's mountains. Foreigners can reserve equipment in advance through the official “Seoul Hiking Tourism” Instagram account or by visiting the center directly.
A significant highlight of the opening event was the inauguration ceremony of the “Global Hiking Mate” program. This initiative aims to create a global community of supporters for Seoul's hiking tourism. The program brings together both international and Korean residents who will hike Seoul's mountains together, fostering cultural exchange and promoting the unique appeal of “K-hiking” to a global audience.
This year, the Global Hiking Mate program has recruited 100 micro-influencers, comprising 67 participants from 27 different countries and 33 Korean nationals. These hiking mates will receive various benefits, including free equipment rentals, priority access to 체험 (experience) programs, and official activity confirmation letters. They are expected to share their experiences and promote Seoul's mountains through their social media channels, effectively reaching a wider international audience.
Gil Ki-yeon, CEO of the Seoul Tourism Organization, highlighted the success of the existing hiking centers at Bukhansan and Bugaksan, noting that they have collectively welcomed over 40,000 visitors since their opening in 2022. This, she stated, underscores the sustained interest in Seoul's mountain tourism. She further emphasized the STO's commitment to actively discover and develop tourism content that seamlessly integrates Seoul's mountains with the unique aspects of Korean hiking culture.
Gwanaksan Mountain, located on the southern edge of Seoul, is a popular destination for both locals and expatriates due to its stunning natural scenery, diverse hiking trails catering to various skill levels, and historical significance. The mountain offers panoramic views of Seoul and beyond, and is home to several temples, including Gwaneumsa Temple, adding a cultural dimension to the hiking experience. Its accessibility via public transportation makes it an ideal location for the new tourism center.
The opening of the Gwanaksan Seoul Hiking Tourism Center is part of a broader strategy by the Seoul Metropolitan Government and the STO to enhance Seoul's appeal as a global tourism destination. By focusing on niche tourism markets, such as hiking, Seoul aims to attract a more diverse range of visitors and encourage longer stays, ultimately contributing to the local economy. The success of the centers at Bukhansan and Bugaksan demonstrates the potential of this approach, and the Gwanaksan center is expected to further amplify these positive results.
The STO plans to continue developing and promoting Seoul's mountain tourism offerings, including the creation of new hiking programs, the improvement of trail infrastructure, and the expansion of services at the hiking centers. By combining the natural beauty of Seoul's mountains with the unique cultural aspects of Korean hiking, the city aims to establish itself as a premier destination for hiking enthusiasts from around the world. The Global Hiking Mate program is a key component of this strategy, leveraging the power of social media and personal experiences to reach and inspire potential visitors.
In conclusion, the opening of the Seoul Hiking Tourism Center at Gwanaksan represents a significant investment in Seoul's tourism future. By providing tailored services and promoting the unique appeal of its mountains, Seoul is poised to attract a growing number of international hikers and further solidify its position as a leading global city for both urban and natural experiences. The enthusiastic response during the trial period and the strong support from city officials indicate a promising future for this initiative and its contribution to Seoul's tourism landscape.
[Copyright (c) Global Economic Times. All Rights Reserved.]
