Prime Minister Kim Min-seok Calls Tourism a ‘Future Strategic Industry’ on Tourism Day
Creatrip Team
2 months ago
On the 52nd Tourism Day, Prime Minister Kim Min-seok delivered a video message saying tourism is a key future strategic industry that merges culture and economy. He noted Korea welcomed over 18 million foreign visitors this year and pledged to strengthen a ‘tourism control tower’ at the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to coordinate cross-ministry policies. The government aims to build infrastructure to attract 30 million visitors by 2030 and is pushing measures to extend stays and reduce Seoul-area concentration. Awards were presented to industry leaders, including the Silver Tower Order of Industrial Service to Ko Jae-kyung of travel agency ㈜Norang Balloon (No-rang Poong-seon), and celebrations welcomed the 18.5 millionth inbound tourist at Incheon Airport, who received a hanbok (traditional Korean garment) scarf as a gift. The ministry expects total arrivals to exceed 18.7 million in 2025 as Korea’s tourism recovers from the pandemic and rides K-culture popularity.
