An aerial view of Janganmun, one of the gates of Hwaseong Fortress in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province / Courtesy of Korea Tourism Organization
Suwon Hwaseong Fortress and Haenggung-dong (an area comprising 12 neighborhoods), along with 10 other tourism hot spots, have been selected as Stars of Korean Tourism this year, according to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO), Wednesday.
Since 2010, the government has been choosing tourism destinations and organizations that have contributed to the country's tourism industry, and naming them in its Stars of Korean Tourism list, based on public polls and evaluations carried out by experts.
In 2024, the tourist hot spots of the year went to Suwon Hwaseong Fortress and Haenggung-dong in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province, for featuring both traditional and modern charms.
Located 30 kilometers south of Seoul, Suwon Hwaseong Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site which stretches for 5.74 kilometers, was built between 1794 and 1796 to protect the city and display King Jeongjo's filial piety toward his father.
The mural village of Haenggung-dong is famous for its themed alleyways lined with handicraft workshops, cafés, fried chicken restaurants and popular photo spots, as well as serving as the backdrop for the tvN drama "Lovely Runner.”
In addition, the Kansong Art Museum in Daegu, which has raised public interest in cultural heritage through exhibiting Jeon Hyeong-pil's "Hunminjeongeum Haerye" collection and Shin Yun-bok's "Miindo (A Beautiful Woman),” was selected as this year's rising tourism destination.
Siheung Gaetgol Eco Park in Siheung, Gyeonggi Province / Courtesy of Korea Tourism Organization
Siheung Gaetgol Ecological Park was selected as this year's barrier-free tourism destination. The venue is well-equipped with various support facilities for the disabled, including wheelchair rental stations and toilets for people with disabilities.
Also, the park features a renovated barrier-free deck and a picnic zone that can be accessed by wheelchair users and people with strollers.
Other selected destinations and organizations include Jeju Haenyeo's Kitchen, Andong Maenggae Village, Ganghwa Cooperative Cheongpung, Donghae Culture and Tourism Foundation, Wando Cheongsando, Daejeon Seongsimdang, Orange Square and Education Broadcasting System's (EBS) Travelogue Korea.
"It is difficult for the tourism industry due to a series of unexpected events at home and abroad, but the ministry will do its best to communicate more closely and minimize the impact on the tourism market,” Culture Minister Yu In-chon said.