Jeollanamdo Europe Office

Representative Office of Jeollanamdo Provincial Government of South Korea

Category: Tourism

Jindo County Launches Island Tourism Initiative with New Direct Ferry Service to Gwanmae-do

Posted by on in 2026, TourismLeave a comment

Jindo County in South Jeolla Province is revitalizing island tourism by partnering with major travel agencies to develop tourism products connected to a newly launched direct passenger ferry service to Gwanmae-do. On February 25, the county signed a memorandum of understanding with the Korea Domestic Travel Agency Association and the Korea Leading Travel Agency Association, with Governor Kim Heesu and approximately 20 travel agency representatives in attendance.

Under the agreement, the organizations will jointly plan and operate tourism packages linked to the direct ferry service, developing both day-trip and multi-day package products while leveraging travel agency networks to promote tourism nationwide. The move comes as Gwanmae-do, known for its exceptional natural scenery including the “Eight Scenic Spots of Gwanmae” and pristine marine areas, has experienced limited accessibility with only twice-daily ferry service, restricting opportunities for day visitors.

The county has invested 4 billion won to build a new 184-ton passenger vessel and plans to commence three daily direct ferry services starting April 1. This increased frequency will significantly improve accessibility to the island, making day trips more practical and enabling longer-stay tourism experiences. The county plans to develop high value-added tourism products that combine Gwanmae-do’s nature tours and marine activities with the culinary and cultural attractions of Jindo’s main island.

Governor Kim Heesu emphasized that the direct ferry is more than transportation infrastructure—it represents a strategic catalyst for revitalizing island tourism. The county plans to conduct familiarization tours and pilot product operations before launching comprehensive promotion and sales of tourism packages upon the ferry service’s commencement. This initiative positions Gwanmae-do and Jindo County as a premier destination for island and marine tourism in Korea.

Suncheon Drama Filming Site Hosts Special Pet-Friendly Seollal Festival

Posted by on in 2026, Events, TourismLeave a comment

Traditional games, retro 70s-80s performances, and companion animal experiences create comprehensive family holiday celebration

A city representative stated: “For this Seollal holiday, we have prepared a festival space where not only parents and children but even companion animals can enjoy together. We hope visitors will spend a warm and happy holiday at the drama filming site, as if traveling back in time.”

The city of Suncheon is launching an innovative five-day Seollal holiday program at the historic Suncheon Drama Filming Site from February 14-18, 2026. The event represents a groundbreaking approach to Korean traditional celebrations by specifically accommodating families traveling with their pets alongside classic holiday activities.

Revolutionary “Petfam” Programming

The festival significantly expands programming for the growing “petfam” demographic – families who consider their companion animals full family members. Unique offerings include:

Retro Partner Experiences: Visitors can dress in matching vintage school uniforms with their dogs and explore the authentically recreated 1960s-80s alleyways together.

Creative Workshops: A dedicated DIY zone allows participants to craft custom accessories for their pets.

Professional Photography: Social media event participants receive professional black-and-white photo sessions in nostalgic styling, plus specialized “pet welcome kits.”

Cultural Programming: Nostalgia Meets Tradition

The historic Sunyang Theater will host performances throughout the holiday period, featuring:

  • Musical theater troupes performing in the nostalgic “7080” style (1970s-80s era)
  • Live emotional band concerts that evoke memories of Korea’s rapid modernization period

Multigenerational Activities

Traditional Korean games will operate continuously throughout the filming site:

  • Giant Yutnori (traditional Korean board game in oversized format)
  • Gonggi (Korean jackstones) and rubber band jumping games
  • Winter sledding experience utilizing the slopes of the recreated “Daldongne” (hillside shantytown area)

These activities are designed to offer nostalgic memories for parents while providing new entertainment for children.

Culinary Time Travel

A nostalgic food market will feature classic Korean snacks from past decades:

  • Eomuk (fish cakes) and roasted sweet potatoes
  • Dalgona (honeycomb candy) and jjondeuki (traditional chewy sweets)

The market aims to engage all five senses and complete the immersive historical experience.

Jeollanam-do Declares 2026 the “First Year of the Eastern Region’s 100-Year Grand Leap”– Major Industrial, Energy, and Tourism Transformation Announced

Posted by on in 2025, Agriculture, Renewable Energy, Technology, TourismLeave a comment

Jeollanam-do has officially designated 2026 as the “First Year of the 100-Year Grand Leap of the Eastern Region,” unveiling a comprehensive development strategy aimed at transforming the eastern part of the province into a core hub for future industries. The announcement was made during the year-end press briefing held at the Eastern Regional Headquarters.

Governor Kim Young-rok emphasized that although the petrochemical and steel industries are undergoing a period of crisis, this moment presents a significant opportunity. He stressed the need to fundamentally upgrade industrial structures, secure future competitiveness, and deliver visible, meaningful changes for residents.

Key Strategic Initiatives:

  • Industrial Transformation:
    Modernization of the petrochemical and steel industries through AI, decarbonization, and high-value technologies.
    Establishment of a battery and semiconductor cluster in the Gwangyang Bay area, including a National Advanced Battery Strategic Industry Complex (12.6 trillion KRW) and an RE100 Future Industrial Complex (12 trillion KRW).
  • Hydrogen & Future Energy Development:
    Creation of an integrated hydrogen platform based on LNG terminals, hydrogen pipelines, and a hydrogen port (5.03 trillion KRW).
    Promotion of the South Coast Hydrogen Industrial Belt and the transition of Gwangyang Steelworks to hydrogen-based steelmaking.
  • Clean Energy & Space Industry Cluster:
    Development of a “Clean Energy Hub” using the province-wide designation as a Distributed Energy Special Zone, including offshore wind projects in Yeosu and Goheung (13 GW) and pumped-storage hydropower plants in Gokseong and Gurye.
    Establishment of a K-Space & Defense Innovation Belt in Goheung, featuring a Space-Defense Innovation Cluster, a second national space center, and private launch vehicle testing facilities.
  • Agriculture & Fisheries Innovation:
    Introduction of AI-driven models for agriculture and fisheries across Suncheon, Gokseong, and Goheung, focusing on smart farms, blue food, and green bio industries.
  • Tourism, Global Events & Infrastructure:
    Development of an interconnected mega-regional SOC system to link industry, tourism, and logistics.
    Major projects include the completion of the Jeolla and Gyeongjeon high-speed railways, upgrades to the Namhae Expressway, and construction of the Yeosu–Namhae undersea tunnel.
    The province will also pursue large-scale international events such as the 2026 Yeosu World Island Exhibition, the 2028 G20 Summit, and COP33.
    Additionally, a wellness and marine tourism belt connecting Jirisan, Seomjingang, and the Dadohae archipelago will be created.

Governor Kim highlighted the historical strength of the region’s land, sea, and industrial sites—foundations that powered Korea’s economic rise. He affirmed the province’s commitment to leveraging this strength to build the next 100 years of prosperity and focusing all resources on delivering tangible improvements that residents can feel.

Suncheonman National Garden Transforms into a Winter Christmas Village

Posted by on in 2025, TourismLeave a comment

Suncheonman National Garden has launched its large-scale Christmas season program “Santa Garden – A Place Even Santa Takes a Break,” transforming the nation’s first national garden into an experiential winter village for citizens and tourists.

A 13-meter premium Christmas tree—previously displayed at Seoul’s landmark Lotte Tower—now welcomes visitors at the East Gate, marking the garden’s first metropolitan-level holiday installation. From mid-December, the surrounding area will operate as Santa Village with themed exhibition and hands-on spaces inspired by Christmas sweets, toys, and festive storytelling.

Key attractions include the redesigned Santa Bus, a florist-collaboration carousel, “Red Christmas” and “White Christmas” thematic zones, nighttime lighting along the French Garden and Bald Cypress Path, and Christmas diffuser workshops. From December 20–25, Santa Garden Week will feature family events, treasure hunts, and interactive programs.

Mayor Noh Kwan-gyu emphasized that the project “turns the entire garden into a single Christmas narrative,” aiming to offer visitors both winter romance and a warm seasonal retreat.

Suncheonman National Garden has surpassed 4.5 million visitors in 2024, with projected annual revenue exceeding 12 billion KRW, reinforcing its role as a driver of gardenomics and urban brand value.

South Jeolla Province and Mokpo Port Join Forces to Develop Industry, Energy, and Tourism Complex Port

Posted by on in 2025, Renewable Energy, TourismLeave a comment

South Jeolla Province convened a meeting on the 14th of November with relevant organizations to discuss strategies for transforming Mokpo Port into a multifunctional hub that integrates industry, energy, and tourism. Participants reviewed development plans aimed at strengthening the port’s role as a key support base for industrial growth across the southwestern region.

Development strategies:

  • Reestablishing the functions of Mokpo Port and expanding the wharf
  • Establishing a hub port to support the offshore wind power industry
  • Regenerating the port and linking it with tourism and the city
  • Renewing old wharfs
  • Strategies to respond to preliminary feasibility studies

Direction for advancing Key Development Projects:

  • The development of dedicated and shared offshore wind power wharves in the Hwawon Industrial Complex
  • The expansion of Mokpo New Port’s support wharf and hinterland complex
  • The inner harbor regeneration project and passenger wharf expansion
  • The development of a comprehensive Mokpo Port development plan and feasibility study

Through these initiatives, the province seeks to transform Mokpo Port into a multifunctional hub that integrates automotive, steel, general cargo, recycling, and tourism functions, while strengthening Jeollanam-do’s maritime competitiveness as a key industrial and energy center for the southwestern region.

Estonia and Greece Sign Participation Agreements for Yeosu Island Expo, 18 Countries Confirmed

Posted by on in 2025, Education, Events, Jeollanamdo & Europe, TourismLeave a comment

The Organizing Committee for the 2026 Yeosu World Expo has strengthened its global network by signing official participation agreements (MOUs) with the Estonian city of Hiiuma and the Ionian region of Greece, both of which had previously expressed their intention to participate in writing.

With these additions, a total of 18 countries and organizations – including France, Greece, Estonia, Madagascar, Peru, Kenya, and the WHO Asia-Pacific Centre for Environment and Health – have confirmed their involvement in the event.

The newly participating countries agreed to work closely with the organizing committee on key areas such as promotional activities, exhibition hall operations, scheduling of national days, and the dispatch of official delegations to ensure the successful hosting of the 2026 Expo.

Suncheon Sets Its Sights on Becoming a Global Healing City 🌿

Posted by on in 2025, Jeollanamdo & Europe, Nature, Tourism, World HeritageLeave a comment

Suncheon, a coastal city in South Korea’s Jeollanam-do Province, is positioning itself as a global hub for wellness tourism. A recent delegation visited the UK and Germany to study innovative models of nature-based healing and social prescribing.

In London, officials met with the National Academy for Social Prescribing (NASP), where CEO Hammad Khan praised Suncheon’s eco-therapy approach as a “practical and powerful model.” Plans are underway for a formal partnership.

Mayor Noh Kwan-kyu emphasized Suncheon’s unique blend of UNESCO-designated gardens, tidal flats, and wetland reserves, which the city plans to integrate with culture, biotech, and sustainable tourism.

The team also explored Maggie’s Healing Center in Manchester and the Kneipp Gardens in Bad Wörishofen, Germany, drawing inspiration for a holistic wellness infrastructure.

Armed with new insights, Suncheon is accelerating efforts to become a global model for healing, nature, and mindful living.

Source: Maeil Business Newspaper

Jeollanamdo Photo Exhibition and Kimbap Cooking Class in Tirol

Posted by on in 2024, Allgemein, Events, Jeollanamdo & Europe, TourismLeave a comment

The Jeollanamdo Photo Exhibition is now open in Innsbruck and Kitzbühel.

The exhibition runs for approximately four weeks at Artium Landhaus 2 in Innsbruck and the KCC in Kitzbühel. A formal opening ceremony was held in Innsbruck on September 6 to commemorate the launch.

On September 6 and 7, the Jeollanamdo Europe Office also hosted exclusive Kimbap cooking classes, offering participants a hands-on experience in preparing this traditional Korean dish. The cooking classes were led by Director, Dr. Peter Kim and marketing manager Tamara Wiedersum. They were well-received by attendees.

The event provided a unique opportunity to explore the beauty of Jeollanamdo through photography, combined with an introduction to Korean cuisine.

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Yeongsan Hoesangdo and Palsangdo of Songgwangsa Temple in Suncheon designated as a National Treasure

Posted by on in 2024, Allgemein, Tourism, World HeritageLeave a comment

The city of Suncheon held a celebration on June 27 at Songgwangsa Temple to commemorate the designation of the “Yeongsan Hoesangdo and Palsangdo of Songgwangsa” as a National Treasure. These significant Buddhist paintings were declared a Treasure in 2003 and, after more than twenty years, have now received National Treasure status, the first such designation since the establishment of the National Heritage Administration.

The ceremony took place in the Daeungbojeon Hall and the Sungbo Museum of the temple, attended by the National Heritage Administration, the temple’s devotees, and local residents. Choi Eung-cheon, the head of the National Heritage Administration, personally handed over the designation certificate to the temple.

The “Yeongsan Hoesangdo and Palsangdo” are important Buddhist paintings housed at Songgwangsa Temple in Suncheon. These paintings consist of two main parts:

1. Yeongsan Hoesangdo (영산회상도): This painting depicts Buddha preaching on Vulture Peak (Yeongsan). It symbolizes Buddha’s teachings and enlightenment.

2. Palsangdo (팔상도): These paintings comprise eight individual scenes depicting significant events from Buddha’s life, from his birth to his entry into Nirvana. They illustrate the key stages of Buddha’s life.

The paintings were created in 1725 by artists such as Uigyeom and are representative works of the late Joseon Dynasty. Originally made for worship in the Yeongsanjeon Hall of Songgwangsa Temple, they are now exhibited in the temple’s Sungbo Museum.

Choi Eung-cheon emphasized the importance of these works and announced that the National Heritage Administration, in collaboration with the city of Suncheon and Songgwangsa Temple, is committed to ensuring the systematic preservation and utilization of these cultural assets.

https://www.jldnews.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=177938

Jeollanamdo Tourism Event in Berlin

Posted by on in 2024, Allgemein, TourismLeave a comment

On April 25, 2024, a tourism event took place at the Maritim proArte Hotel in Berlin, co-organized by the Jeollanamdo Europe Office. The event was attended by Governor Kim Yung-Rok of the Jeollanamdo Province and his delegation.

The program commenced with a speech by Governor Kim Yung-Rok, introducing the province of Jeollanamdo. The magnificent aspects of the province were highlighted through a video presentation, showcasing its picturesque landscapes and cultural treasures. The director of the Jeollanamdo Europe Office, Dr. Ki-Cheol (Peter) Kim held a short presentation about Jeollanamdo and some interesting information concerning Jeollanamdo Tourism. EasyCookAsia, a partner of Jeollanamdo, that developed the Jeonnam Travel Food Box together with Jeollanamdo. The Jeollanam-do Global SNS Supporters also took part in the event and took part in a ceremony on stage. A small cultural program included traditional Korean songs as well as modern K-pop dances. Everything concluded with a shared dinner, providing guests with the opportunity to engage in conversations among themselves and with the Governor.

The tourism event was not only an opportunity to discover the beauty and diversity of Jeollanamdo, but also a forum for intercultural exchange and cooperation.

Jeollanamdo at the Museumsuferfest 2023

Posted by on in 2023, Allgemein, TourismLeave a comment

Jeollanamdo organized this year’s Museumsuferfest from August 25 to August 27 together with the Consulate General and the Korean Tourism Organization to celebrate 140 years of diplomatic relations between Germany and Korea. The Museumsuferfest is a cultural festival that shows the beauty of different cultures and invites the visitors to indulge in different kinds of foods and cultural programs. In the Korea area, people could enjoy various Korean foods and a program completely focused on Korean culture.

There were several food stalls with delicious Korean food and culture booths as well. Jeolllanamdo had its own booths. One of those booths invited people to take part in giveaways, get some information about the region and take some tourism material with them to plan their trip to Jeollanamdo. In the other two booths, the visitors were able to buy and try different foods from Jeollanamdo. They were operated by Kreassive, whose products you can find on the Amazon store “The Kitchen of Korea” and Panasia whos eproducts you can find online and at the K-Shop in Bad Homburg.

The South Korea area also had a stage with various performances from Germany and Korea, that the visitors could enjoy during the three days of the festival. The opening ceremony of the Museumsuferfest was held on that stage with the consul general Kyungsok Koh, the vice governor of Jeollanamdo Park Chang hwan, Elke Voitl, who works for the Department of Social Affairs and Health of the City of Frankfurt and Thomas Feda, Managing Director of Tourismus+Congress GmbH Frankfurt am Main. Dancers from Jeollanamdo and the Kukkiwon Taekwondo team made sure to leave a lasting impression on the visitors during the opening ceremony. Our Jeollanamdo Global SNS Supporters were introduced on stage as well and they received their letter of appointment.

The stage was filled with the passion of the performers showing off their Taekwondo, dancing and music skills. People could listen to a Jazz band, Kpop dance teams and traditional Korean dance groups entertained the visitors and a Jeollanamdo Kimchi workshop showed the visitors how Jeollanamdo Kimchi is made and how it tastes.

The whole festival was closed with beautiful fireworks that also used two Korean songs to focus on the host country South Korea. The Musuemsuferfest this year was visited by about 1,2 million visitors from all over the world.

Purple Island designated one of the world’s Best Tourism Villages

Posted by on in 2021, TourismLeave a comment

Banwol Island at the south-east of Jeollanamdo, in Shinan County, widely known as “Purple Island” has been designated as one of 44 Best Tourism Villages by the UNWTO on Wednesday, Dec. 2nd in Madrid. Along with the Purple Island, Ungok Village in Gochang, North Jeolla Province was chosen as well.

The villages were evaluated based on a set of nine criterias, including social and environmental sustainability and Health, Safety and Security.

The Best Tourism Villages by UNWTO initiative was launched to advance the role of tourism in safeguarding rural villages, along with their landscapes, natural and cultural diversity, and their local values and activities, including local gastronomy.

UNWTO, Dec. 2nd, 2021

This award is proof of the efforts made by the local and provincial government of Jeollanamdo to boost tourism and revitalize the region. The project began in 2007 when the island suffered from issues created by an aging population. Inspired by the local purple bellflowers, the roofs of buildings and bridges connecting the island were painted in purple. In addition the local government planted 30,000 asters and 21,500 square meters of lavender fields to make Banwoldo a truly Purple Island.

By now, The Purple Island is one of Jeollanamdo’s must-visit places and attracts around 5,000 visitors each weekend, according to Shinan County.