From K-pop-inspired attractions to coastal towns and mountain escapes, South Korea’s travel destinations are all vying for the public’s vote to decide which deserves a place on a soon-to-be-published tourism directory.
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An ambitious project is underway to map out 10,000 tourist spots across the country. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism alongside the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) have enlisted the insights of the Korean public to vote as part of its 100×100 Project to Uncover Korea’s Attractions.
After already attracting more than 30,000 participants in its first week of launching, The Korea Times reported that organisers have now extended voting until 17 July to give even more people the chance to have their say.
The project is set around eight travel pillars: architecture, leisure and sports, nature and ecology, lifestyle, K-content, culture and tradition, gastronomy and travel preferences.
These pillars are divided further by a panel of 100 travel experts who have compiled a list of 100 microthemes. The public is voting for the top 100 destinations within each theme – creating the directory brimming with 10,000 places to visit.
"The sharp nationwide spread of this campaign is evident as inquiries from local municipalities continue to pour in," said Kim Suk, director of the national tourism division at the KTO. "We will focus our subsequent promotional resources on ensuring that these final voting results translate directly into physical travel and the revitalisation of regional economies."
While voting continues, the KTO already has plenty of recommendations for travellers planning a trip. Here are some of its top picks:
• Seoul Botanic Park in Gangseo-gu, Seoul
• National Museum of Korea in Yongsan-gu, Seoul
• Heotjesabap Kkachi Gunmeongjip restaurant in Gyeongsangbuk-do
• AR Surf centre in Chungcheongnam-do
• Eurwangni Beach in Incheon
• Four Seasons Healing Farm in Gyeonggi-do