Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Yu In Chon (second from left) on Nov. 13 explains the nation's tourism strategy for next year at a meeting for the promotional event Visit Korea Year 2023-24 attended by Visit Korea Committee Chairperson Lee Boo-jin (third from left) at the House of Sulwhasoo, the flagship store of the domestic cosmetics giant in Hanok Bukchon Village of Seoul's Jongno-gu District.

By Hong Angie 
Photos = Heo Man-jin from Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism

"To mark Visit Korea Year 2023-24, we aim to attract 20 million foreign tourists next year."

Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Yu In Chon on Nov. 13 made this pledge at a tourism strategy meeting for Visit Korea Year 2023-24 at the House of Sulwhasoo, the flagship store of the domestic cosmetics giant in Hanok Bukchon Village of Seoul's Jongno-gu District.

Domestic media including Yonhap News quoted him as proposing the goal of attracting 20 million foreign tourists next year, and he added, "It won't be easy but I see a chance."

The meeting hosted by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism had people give opinions on tourism trends with the recovery of global tourism in the post-COVID-19 era and explore tourism strategies seeking to convert the world popularity of Korean culture to demand for visits. Attendees included Visit Korea Committee Chairperson Lee Boo-jin and other representatives from sectors like tourism, beauty, fashion and K-pop dance. 

"A survey has found that foreign visitors come to Korea for food, shopping, music, beauty and fashion," Minister Yu said. "We consider these sectors crucial but have neglected them, so we hope to see positive results from next year by preparing events, conferences and product development this year."

"The preferences of international tourists have changed and solo travel has grown more popular," he added. "So we must shift toward more personalized strategies."

"We plan all-out efforts to unearth and spread differentiated tourism content to allow foreign tourists to visit Korea and enjoy K-Culture."

"Directly observing the hard work of people from all walks of life made me realize how diversified the tourism industry's spectrum has become," Chairperson Lee said. "As the level and depth of knowledge and interest in Korea of foreign visitors changes by the day, the Visit Korea Committee will strive to assist through communication and collaboration."

The meeting also covered improving services for foreign visitors including interpretation for languages other than English and streamlined entry for VIP customers from abroad seeking aesthetic services.

The ministry will open a festival for Korean beauty and fashion based on the opinions expressed at the meeting. Minister Yu said, "We must organize a large festival or market next year that combines hair, makeup, fashion and medical services."

Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Yu In Chon (fifth from left) on Nov. 13 takes photos with Visit Korea Committee Chairperson Lee Boo-jin and other attendees of a tourism strategy meeting for Visit Korea Year 2023-24 at the House of Sulwhasoo Bukchon in Seoul's Jongno-gu District.

shong9412@korea.kr