Suwon Hwaseong Fort Wins Main Tourist Destinations In Korea In 2024

JAKARTA - Fort Suwon Hwaseong and Haenggung-dong, along with 10 other popular tourist attractions, were selected as Korean Tourism Stars in 2024, according to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism as well as the Korean Tourism Organization (KTO).

The South Korean government has selected tourist destinations and organizations that contribute to the country's tourism industry, and named it on the list of Korean Tourism Stars, based on public opinion polls and evaluations conducted by experts since 2010.

In 2024, this year's popular tourist spot fell to Hwaseong and Haenggung-dong's Suwon Fort, Gyeonggi Province, due to its traditional and modern charms.

Located 30 kilometers south of Seoul, Fort Suwon Hwaseong, the UNESCO World Heritage Site spanning 5.74 kilometers, was built between 1794 and 1796 to protect the city and demonstrate King Jeongjo's service to his father.

"It is difficult for the tourism industry because of 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," said Culture Minister Yu In-chon, quoted by The Korea Times on January 10.

Meanwhile, the village of the Haenggung-dong mural is famous for its themed halls filled with handicraft workshops, cafes, fried chicken restaurants and popular photo spots, as well as the background for the tvN drama "Lovely Runner".

Meanwhile, the Kansong Art Museum in Daegu, which has increased public interest in cultural heritage through the exhibition of Jeon fire-pil's "Hunminjeongeum Haerye" collection and Shin Yun-bok's "Miindo (Beautiful Woman)", were chosen as a rising tourist destination this year.

In addition to the two destinations above, Si Mariju Gaetgol Ecology Park was chosen as an obstacle-free tourist destination this year. This place is equipped with various supporting facilities for people with disabilities, including wheelchair and toilet rentals for people with disabilities.

Not only that, this park has a renovated express-free deck and a picnic zone that can be accessed by wheelchair users and people with baby strollers.

Other selected destinations and organizations include Jeju Haenyeo's Kitchen, Andong Maengae Village, Ganghwa Cooperative Cheongpung, Donghae Culture and Tourism Foundation, Wando Cheongsando, Daejeon Seongsimdang, Orange Square, and Korean Travelogue belonging to the Education Broadcasting System (EBS).