'2025 Korea Tourism Star Awards' Selects 10 Destinations Including Gyeongju Hwangnidan Street

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST) and the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) held the '2025 Korea Tourism Star Awards' ceremony at The Shilla Seoul in Jung-gu, Seoul, on the 27th. The event recognized outstanding tourist destinations, organizations, and individuals who contributed to the development of Korean tourism over the past year.
Now in its 15th year, the Korea Tourism Star Awards selects winners based on recommendations from the general public, local governments, and experts. This year, ten trophies were awarded across three categories: tourist destinations, tourism content, and contributors to tourism development.
In the tourist destination category, Gyeongju Hwangnidan Street, which blends tradition with youthful energy, was named Tourist Destination of the Year. Sayouwon, recognized as a leading K-garden that combines nature, architecture, and art, was selected as a promising tourist site. Gimyujeong Railbike, which has improved accessibility by creating an inclusive tourism environment, was chosen as a barrier-free destination. Biyangdo Island in Jeju, which has established a sustainable ecotourism model, was awarded as an eco-friendly tourist site.
In the tourism content category, Haman Nakhwa Nori, a traditional fireworks event passed down since the Joseon Dynasty, was selected as a regionally specialized content. Gochang Sangha Farm, which implements a regional coexistence model, was recognized as a regional cooperation tourism model. In the innovative tourism policy category, Gangjin Half-Price Travel for Everyone and Daejeon Kkumssi Family City Marketing were chosen as outstanding policies.
Meanwhile, contributors to the tourism industry included the Jeju Olle Foundation, which revived lost ancient paths and established an eco-friendly walking culture, and Lim Sang-choon, writer of the drama 'When Life Gives You Tangerines.' Locations featured in the drama, such as Jeju, Gyeongbuk, and Jeonnam, have seen a surge in visitors, significantly boosting regional tourism.
Kim Dae-hyun, the Second Vice Minister of MCST, stated, "With K-culture attracting global attention, now is the optimal time for K-tourism to make a qualitative leap. We will continue to provide policy support to discover and nurture regional tourism content with global competitiveness, and to enhance the competitiveness of regional tourism by improving transportation, convenience, and shopping environments for visitors."
jsm64@fnnews.com Jung Soon-min Reporter