Prime Minister Kim Min-seok said on the 25th that "hate and extreme protests against specific cultures, religions, and countries must be eradicated."
At the 10th national tourism strategy meeting held at Heiker Ground in Jung-gu, Seoul, that day, Kim said, "Tourism is the most powerful bridge for understanding and respecting different cultures."
Kim said, "Starting Sept. 29, the 'visa-free program for Chinese group tourists' will be implemented," adding, "I ask you to practice kindness, consideration, and mature civic awareness together."
Regarding the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) to be held at the end of next month, Kim said, "U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping have confirmed their attendance," adding, "The Gyeongju APEC is now becoming a mega event drawing worldwide attention."
He added that it is "a golden opportunity to showcase the power of Korea's culture, arts, and content to the world beyond a venue for economy and diplomacy."
Kim said, "The Lee Jae-myung administration intends to foster the K-content cultural tourism industry as a core future strategic industry." He continued, "With the successful hosting of the APEC summit, we will focus on regional tourism innovation so that people around the world visit Gyeongju and that can spread to other regional hub cities."
Kim said, "There are still tasks to be solved," pointing out that "the lack of transportation networks connecting to the regions and the poor state of accommodations are problems that have been continuously raised." Kim also said, "Price gouging and unkindness in some local commercial districts damage the overall image of tourism in Korea."
Kim said, "Today the government is announcing the 'three major strategies for tourism innovation to surpass 30 million entries and become a global tourism powerhouse,'" adding, "We will boldly pursue regulatory reforms and policy support to build a virtuous cycle linking content, tourism, and regional economies."
He added, "We will make it our top priority to resolve chronic inconveniences faced by foreign tourists from entry to transportation, lodging, shopping, and payment," and "We will create an innovative ecosystem for the tourism industry where venture and startup corporations can launch and invest."