Acting President Choi Sang Mok (second from left in front row), who is also deputy prime minister and minister of economy and finance, on March 20 visits Gyeongju Hwabaek International Convention Center in Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, to inspect preparations for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit. (Ministry of Economy and Finance)

By Kang Gahui

Acting President Choi Sang Mok, who is also deputy prime minister and minister of economy and finance, on March 20 visited Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, to inspect preparations for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit.

He attended that day a meeting on reviewing the public economy to check at Gyeongju Hwabaek International Convention Center to check preparations for transportation, accommodations, security and medical systems for the summit.

He also visited Gyeongju Gyochon Traditional Village and joined programs such as one on making tteok (rice cakes) and a tea ceremony. When foreign tourists accompanying him asked for better accessibility to information on provincial tourism, he instructed relevant organizations to boost promotional activities to allow such visitors to more easily know about experiential programs.

Second Vice Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Jang Miran said, "We will develop distinct regional events like the Jinhae Gunhangje (Cherry Blossom) Festival and the Hwacheon Sancheoneo (Mountain Trout) Ice Festival into products for domestic tourism and expand the promotion of a mobile app for Korean tourism."

To diversify the domestic tourism market, Chinese visitors on group trips in the third quarter will temporarily enjoy visa-free status and more customized products will be produced to tap into potential demand to travel in Korea from Southeast Asia and the Middle East.

The focus of tourism products will shift from attractions to experiences and the creation of interactive travel products will be linked to industries such as Hansik (traditional food), beauty and content.

"The successful hosting of the APEC Summit will be a crucial watershed for the elevation of Korea's global standing and stimulation of regional economies," Acting President Choi said. "We request that relevant government branches, Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, Gyeongju and the private sector to work as one team."

kgh89@korea.kr