Gangwon State, a jewel in South Korea’s crown and a hotspot for Thai tourists, recently held its inaugural tourism briefing in Thailand. Hosted by the Gangwon Tourism Organisation (GWTO), the enchanting event known as “Gangwonderful Night in Thailand” took place on August 26 at the prestigious InterContinental Hotel in Bangkok. It was a grand affair, attended by over 120 officials from the Korean and Thai travel industry.
If Gangwon State sounds familiar, that’s probably because it’s the picturesque backdrop for some of Thailand’s beloved Korean dramas like “Autumn in My Heart,” “Winter Sonata,” and “Goblin.” It’s also where global superstars BTS chose to shoot one of their album covers. In just the first half of this year, from January to June, a remarkable 17,981 Thai tourists explored Gangwon State, making them the fourth largest group of Southeast Asian visitors.
Spanning 18 cities and counties in central eastern South Korea, Gangwon State is renowned for its stunning natural landscapes, a mesmerizing mix of mountains and seas. This natural beauty makes it a magnet for international visitors seeking a slice of tranquility and adventure.
The timing couldn’t be better. 2023-2024 has been declared the “Year of Mutual Visits” between Korea and Thailand, with the two countries tight-knit in expanding their tourism cooperation. As a first, Gangwon State chose to unravel its charm with this tourism briefing in Thailand.
Following the global pandemic, Gangwon State didn’t sit still. Tourism briefings were held in Taiwan in 2023 and Vietnam earlier this year. The region has also been a dynamic presence in major travel and tourism expos around the globe, drumming up interest and inviting the world to experience its magic.
The briefing spotlighted Gangwon’s diverse and breathtaking tourist attractions, particularly during the fall and winter seasons. It also outlined plans to evolve its tourism offerings further, emphasizing luxury, wellness, and the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) and medical tourism sectors.
With the 2024-2025 winter season on the horizon, Gangwon State unveiled exciting initiatives to develop trendy tourist content tailored to Thai preferences. They are collaborating with ski resorts, facility operators, and various organizations to ensure a safe and delightful travel experience for Thai travelers.
Staying ahead of the curve, Gangwon State is partnering with OTAs (Online Travel Agencies) to offer a wide array of experiential products. They have also harnessed the power of social media for real-time communication with tourists worldwide, ensuring that people can connect with Gangwon like never before.
Mr. Choi Sung Hyun, President of the Gangwon Tourism Organisation (GWTO), shared, “Holding the first Gangwon Tourism Briefing in Thailand is a milestone for us. It’s about showcasing Gangwon’s rich cultural resources and exceptional tourism potential while fostering mutual development through bilateral exchanges. We aim to let people not just see, but touch, feel, hear, and fully enjoy Gangwon beyond the screens.”
I think this is a strategic move by Gangwon to attract more tourists! Thai people love Korean culture, so why not make the most of it?
Absolutely! It’s a win-win situation for both countries. Korean tourism gets a boost, and Thai tourists get to explore beautiful Gangwon.
What’s so special about Gangwon anyway? Is it really worth it? Seems like just another marketing gimmick.
It’s definitely worth it. Have you seen the scenery there? Mountains and seas combined! Perfect for a peaceful retreat.
I’m not sure if the Thai tourists will actually find Gangwon that appealing. It might just be overhyped.
Overhyped! Are you kidding me? Gangwon has been a famous destination for years. It’s like the hidden gem of Korea.
My friends went there, and they couldn’t stop talking about it. I think Thai tourists will love it too!
It’s all about personal preferences. Some people look for cultural connections, and Gangwon offers that to Thai tourists.
Can’t wait to visit Gangwon! Has anyone been there in winter?
I visited last winter! It’s magical with all the snow. The ski resorts are top-notch too.
I was there two winters ago, and it was the best trip ever! The hot springs are a must-visit.
I love how they’re focusing on luxury and wellness tourism. That’s a growing market!
Yes! Wellness tourism is becoming huge, especially post-pandemic. People want relaxation and rejuvenation.
Hope they don’t just cater to the rich. There should be affordable options too.
I’ve read that BTS filmed in Gangwon. That alone will attract a ton of fans.
I feel like the pandemic has changed tourism forever. Gangwon is smart to evolve with the times.
Definitely! OTA partnerships and social media engagement are key strategies.
Will Gangwon’s efforts be enough to compete with other tourist destinations in Korea?
Gangwon has its unique appeal. It’s not just about competing, but offering something different.
Totally agree. It’s about finding your niche. Gangwon has a strong cultural and natural allure.
Why is there so much fuss about Gangwon? Isn’t Seoul still the main attraction?
Seoul is great, but Gangwon offers tranquility and nature, which is a different experience altogether.
Both places have their charm. Seoul for the urban vibe, Gangwon for the natural beauty.
Will there be any special packages for Thai tourists? That would be a great incentive.
Using OTAs and social media is a smart move. Real-time interaction can significantly boost tourism.
Yeah, imagine being able to get travel tips from locals while you’re there!
Gangwon sounds like a dream destination! I’d love to visit someday.