The city of Taebaek is rising as a new tourist hotspot after it was revealed as one of the locations featured in the hit Korean drama ‘Descendants of the Sun’. (Image : Yonhap)
TAEBAEK, March 23 (Korea Bizwire) – The city of Taebaek is rising as a new tourist hotspot after it was revealed as one of the locations featured in the hit Korean drama ‘Descendants of the Sun’.
According to city officials, many curious Koreans and travel agencies have been inquiring about travel to the region. The ‘Descendants of the Sun’ production team built a film set in Taebaek, and also filmed scenes at old coal mines.
Additional attention was drawn towards the city as President Park Geun-hye mentioned that ‘Descendants of the Sun’ played a huge role in boosting tourism.
Taebaek officials are working together with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) and Gangwon Province to develop content that will provide tourists with entertainment.
Taebaek mayor Kim Yeon-sik and KTO head Jung Chang-soo visited the locations where the drama was filmed, promising full support to develop tourism in the region.
“As we have to create something from nothing, we have to look far into the future. By establishing a master plan that suits each stage of development, we can create content that should last a long time,” Jung said.
Linking the filming locations of the drama with existing tourism resources such as Taebaek Mountain, the source of the rivers, and hanwoo (Korean beef) is the most likely first step of the development. Improving websites, establishing accommodations, improving restaurant menus, and spreading a tourist-friendly mindset among residents will follow.
City officials in Taebaek plan to apply for government support to improve the city’s infrastructure such as roads and parking spaces.
In the meantime, the city was chosen as the best place to visit for ‘people with children who go to kindergarten and elementary school’. It was also voted as the third-best region to live in after retirement.
By M.H.Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
