On the 27th, the People Power Party announced a tourism industry pledge to develop various places across the country into tourist attractions, revitalizing local economies and creating jobs. The plan aims to establish 'K-pop cities' nationwide, including installing arena performance venues with a capacity of 20,000 to 30,000 seats in five mega-cities.
The party's policy development headquarters announced this tourism-related pledge on the same day.
First, the People Power Party presented a blueprint to amend relevant laws to designate the 'musical industry' as part of the content industry and to leap to becoming one of the world's top three musical leaders through focused support.
It also introduced plans to develop tourism programs that allow experiences of Korea's unique content, such as K-beauty and K-food, while enhancing experiential content to boost tourism.
It will also embark on developing tourist attractions that reflect local characteristics.
It promised to hold road cycling tours around the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) and to develop eco-tourism courses linked to UNESCO geoparks in the Imjingang and Hantan River basins, as well as in the areas of Cheorwon, Yeoncheon, and Paju.
It also decided to develop peace and history experience content centered around the DMZ and to create opportunities for youth entrepreneurship.
In the western coastal and Chungcheong and Honam regions, it resolved to create a 'cultural sunset tourism belt.' This will involve developing tourism content that enjoys the natural beauty of the west coast, Buddhist heritage sites like Sudoksa and Ganwolam, and Baekje culture in Gongju and Buyeo.
For the southern coastal areas, it decided to establish a 'Blue Link Belt' to allow visits to historical sites and industrial centers from Busan's Oryukdo to Haenam's Daegeum Village.
It also stated that it would expand transportation networks connecting Incheon International Airport and major tourist hubs, and resolve bottlenecks in the KTX.
In the lodging sector, it promised to expand guesthouse facilities and legalize Airbnb.
In addition, it plans to strengthen consumer protection measures such as price display systems to eradicate 'overcharging' and to introduce a 'K-Regional Tourism Discount Pass' that will allow discounts at major tourist sites and accommodations across the country.
Institutionally, it also proposed that the government lead the development of the tourism industry through a 'National Tourism Strategy Meeting' chaired by the president and simplify entry visas to create a more convenient entry and exit environment for foreign tourists.
Moreover, it decided to provide settlement packages to youths whose hometowns are designated as tourism cities, allowing them to work without leaving their hometowns and supporting their growth into tourism professionals.