Ilsan Lake Park (Image courtesy of Goyang city)
GOYANG, Apr. 4 (Korea Bizwire) – The city of Goyang in Gyeonggi Province has been recognized as a top-tier sustainable city for both tourists and residents, according to a recent global assessment.
The city secured the 14th position among 100 major cities worldwide in the “2023 Global Destination Sustainability Index” (GDS-I), as reported by the BBC.
The index, released by the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) and other organizations, places Goyang at the forefront of non-European cities in terms of sustainability.
A trip to Haengju Fortress, a centuries-old fort on the western outskirts of Seoul, may hit the spot though it is a popular and well-known tourist attraction in the vicinity of the South Korean capital. (Image courtesy of Goyang city)
Following closely in the Asia-Pacific region, Singapore ranked 17th overall, making it the second highest in the area after Goyang.
The GDS-I evaluates cities based on their sustainability performance across the tourism and events industries.
The view from Haengjusanseong
It aims to highlight the importance of sustainable cities and provides a valuable resource for tourists and locals seeking eco-friendly destinations and living environments.
Cities were ranked according to a comprehensive set of 69 indicators, including air pollution levels, recycling rates, the number of bicycle paths, and the percentage of hotel rooms with eco-certifications.
Goyang’s exceptional management of travel destinations was a notable strength highlighted in the report.
Kintex (Image courtesy of Goyang city)
The city’s approach to sustainability is evident through stakeholder engagement, regional collaboration, and the proactive efforts of its leaders, aiming to establish a genuinely sustainable urban environment.
The BBC lauded Goyang’s efforts to transform into an eco-friendly urban area. The city’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its 68 parks and a well-established bicycle-sharing system.
Additionally, the city’s exhibition and convention centers boast environmentally conscious facilities, including toilets, ponds, and gardens that utilize recycled rainwater, further underscoring Goyang’s dedication to sustainable living and tourism.
Image credit: Yonhap, Flickr (Travel Oriented)/CCL, Goyang city / photonews@koreabizwire.com
