Sokcho Teams Up With Andong as Korea’s 37 Cultural Cities spark a powerful new tourism wave. Together, Sokcho and Andong showcase how Korea’s 37 Cultural Cities are turning local culture into exciting travel experiences. Moreover, this new tourism wave connects heritage, food, art, traditions, and modern creativity across Korea. Sokcho brings coastal charm, while Andong adds deep traditional culture. Meanwhile, more cultural cities are joining this growing movement and attracting curious travellers from around the world. Travel And Tour World explores why Korea’s 37 Cultural Cities are gaining attention and why Sokcho and Andong matter. Read the entire story for the destinations, experiences, and tourism trends shaping Korea’s next big travel wave.
South Korea is expanding its tourism offer beyond Seoul, Busan and Jeju through a national network of 37 designated cultural cities.
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The official Regional Culture Information System defines a Cultural City as a place that uses distinctive cultural resources, including arts, cultural industries, tourism, history and media, to strengthen local cultural creativity. The programme has two stages. The first includes the first through fourth rounds of statutory Cultural Cities. The second is the broader Korea Cultural City programme.
The 37 destinations are distributed across six regional groupings: five in Gangwon, four in Gyeonggi, seven in Gyeongsang, eight in metropolitan-city and Jeju areas, seven in Jeolla and six in Chungcheong.
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| Regional grouping | Number of cultural cities |
|---|---|
| Gangwon | 5 |
| Gyeonggi | 4 |
| Gyeongsang | 7 |
| Metropolitan cities & Jeju | 8 |
| Jeolla | 7 |
| Chungcheong | 6 |
| Total | 37 |
The wider tourism environment is also improving. South Korea received 967,003 foreign visitors in 2021, 3,198,017 in 2022, 11,031,665 in 2023 and 16,369,629 in 2024. The 2025 total reached 18,936,562, an increase of 15.7% from 2024.
Year Foreign visitors to South Korea Annual change 2021 967,003 -61.6% 2022 3,198,017 +230.7% 2023 11,031,665 +244.9% 2024 16,369,629 +48.3% 2025 18,936,562 +15.7%
The 2025 market was led by China with 5,480,969 visitors, followed by Japan with 3,653,137, Taiwan with 1,891,414, the United States with 1,483,240 and Hong Kong with 623,149.
This recovery matters for regional tourism because growing international demand creates more opportunities to encourage visitors to add smaller destinations to Seoul, Busan and Jeju itineraries.
The Korea Tourism Data Lab provides city-level visitor data from January 2020. However, its “visitor” measurement is generated daily. If the same person visits for several days, that person can appear in the statistics on several days.
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Therefore, the figures should be used to understand tourism movement and trends, rather than described as the number of individual tourists.
This distinction is particularly important when comparing 2021-2025. Pandemic restrictions, reopening patterns and changes in mobility can significantly affect big-data visitor measurements.
The most defensible approach for a published article is therefore to combine the official 37-city designation data with verified destination statistics, individual attraction figures and tourism-trend indicators rather than inventing a five-year “unique visitor” series.
Sokcho is one of the 13 Korea Cultural Cities designated for 2025-2027. Its official cultural vision centres on food culture, connecting the East Sea, Seoraksan and the food traditions of displaced communities. Travelers should combine Sokcho Tourist & Fishery Market, Abai Village, Yeongnangho Lake and Seoraksan National Park. Seafood, squid dishes, pollock and local market food are natural choices. Stay around the downtown market, beach or Seoraksan access areas depending on the itinerary. Cruise tourism is also expanding; a 2025 Noordam visit carried about 2,500 passengers, while four cruise calls were expected that year.
Anseong’s Korea Cultural City identity focuses on craftsmanship and the modern interpretation of its historic market tradition. Travelers can build a cultural day around Anseong’s traditional markets, craft experiences and performance culture, while adding nearby rural landscapes. The city is particularly suitable for visitors who want hands-on Korean cultural experiences rather than a sightseeing-only itinerary. Traditional Korean dishes, market snacks and regional produce should form the food component. For accommodation, staying near the central city area allows easier access to cultural facilities and restaurants. The official cultural programme specifically connects Anseong’s craft industry and Baudeogi Festival with the city’s cultural identity.
Andong is one of Korea’s strongest destinations for traditional culture. Its cultural-city vision focuses on making traditional culture more interactive through old-house stays, traditional liquor and recreational experiences. Hahoe Village and Dosanseowon Confucian Academy are major cultural anchors, while Bongjeongsa Temple and Woryeonggyo Bridge add further depth. The Korea Tourism Organization describes Andong as a destination with UNESCO World Heritage attractions, traditional performances, festivals, hanok stays and local specialties. KTX-Eum connects Andong with Seoul in about 1 hour 50 minutes and with Busan in about 1 hour 40 minutes.
Jinju’s cultural-city concept is built around local cultural resources and creative cultural businesses. International visitors can begin at Jinjuseong Fortress, which overlooks the Namgang River and contains the Jinju National Museum and historic structures. Visitors can also enjoy river scenery and traditional cultural experiences. Jinju’s food itinerary should include regional Korean dishes and traditional market food. Staying around central Jinju makes it easier to combine the fortress, riverfront and cultural venues. Jinjuseong Fortress currently lists an adult admission price of 2,000 won, with reduced prices for younger visitors.
Tongyeong is officially positioned around creative arts and the creation of new value through local culture. Its location makes it especially attractive for travelers who want to combine culture with coastal scenery. A practical itinerary can include the historic centre, waterfront areas, local markets and island excursions. Seafood should be central to the food plan, particularly fresh fish and shellfish. Travelers should stay around the waterfront or central Tongyeong to simplify access to ferries and cultural attractions. The destination works well as a two-night stop between Busan and the southern coast.
Suseong District in Daegu is one of the Korea Cultural Cities and has chosen visual arts as its central theme. The official vision highlights media-art facilities and Deulan Art Village as foundations for a stronger art-focused destination. Travelers can therefore build an urban culture itinerary around galleries, media art, museums, parks and contemporary cultural spaces. Daegu’s food scene adds another dimension, with local noodle dishes, grilled meat and traditional market food. Central Daegu accommodation offers the greatest transport flexibility. Suseong is best suited to travelers seeking modern Korean culture rather than only historical attractions.
Suyeong’s official cultural vision aims to connect the beach with neighbourhood streets through festivals and events. This gives international tourists an alternative way to experience Busan beyond its famous coastal landmarks. Gwangalli Beach should anchor the itinerary, followed by nearby cafés, restaurants, cultural spaces and evening events. Seafood, grilled dishes and Busan-style street food are natural choices. Staying around Gwangalli or nearby Suyeong provides easy access to both the coast and neighbourhood attractions. The cultural-city strategy specifically seeks year-round activity rather than concentrating tourism only along the beachfront.
Suncheon combines ecological tourism with a growing creative-content identity. Its cultural-city vision emphasises animation and webtoons alongside the city’s natural assets. Travelers should combine Suncheon Bay Wetland Reserve, Suncheonman National Garden and the historic old-town environment. Food-focused visitors can explore local restaurants and seasonal produce, while accommodation around the city centre or garden area works well for a two-night stay. The city’s 2025 festival strategy also connected spring flowers, food, camping, night tourism and autumn food events, creating opportunities for longer stays.
Jeonju is one of the most established cultural tourism destinations in the network. Its Korea Cultural City vision links traditional cultural resources with new technology and creative industries. Jeonju Hanok Village should be the starting point, followed by local museums, cultural venues and food streets. Bibimbap remains the obvious culinary experience, while makgeolli streets and traditional snacks add variety. Travelers should stay in or near the Hanok Village for the strongest cultural atmosphere. Official VisitKorea itineraries also combine Jeonju Hanok Village with Deokjin Park, the Sori Arts Center and other attractions.
Jindo’s cultural identity is based on folk traditions. The island is part of an archipelago of 230 islets and combines agriculture, marine resources, traditional performances and historic attractions. Dadohaehaesang National Park is a major nature component. The Jindo sea-parting phenomenon is another distinctive experience, occurring around the second month of the lunar calendar. Travelers should try local seafood and island produce, while accommodation around Jindo-eup provides the most practical base. Jindo is particularly suitable for a slower itinerary combining folk culture, landscapes and coastal experiences.
Sejong’s cultural-city identity is centred on Hangul and the legacy of King Sejong. The destination provides a different view of South Korea because its cultural offer is integrated with a modern administrative city. Travelers can explore Hangul-related cultural attractions, museums, parks and government-city architecture. The food itinerary should focus on regional Korean restaurants and modern cafés rather than expecting a historic market district. Central Sejong accommodation works best for a short stay. The city is especially attractive for travelers interested in Korean language, writing, public architecture and contemporary urban development.
Chungju is developing a cultural identity around Korean traditional music, building on the historical legacy of Ureuk. The official vision calls for large-scale cultural events and collaboration between traditional music and other genres. Travelers can combine cultural performances with Chungju Lake, riverside scenery and outdoor activities. Local Korean restaurants and traditional markets provide the food experience. A central hotel makes the best base for a short cultural weekend. Chungju can also work as part of a wider central Korea road trip linking Suwon, Cheongju and other cultural destinations.
Hongseong is promoting local content and a stronger food-oriented identity. Its tourism profile combines inland cultural resources with the coast and local seafood. A particularly notable recent tourism trend is the rise in visitors to 35 major tourist sites. Officially reported data show visits increasing from about 4.47 million in 2022 to approximately 7.66 million in 2025, an increase of about 71.3%. The rise coincided with new attractions and tourism infrastructure, including Namdanghang facilities and Hongseong Sky Tower. Seafood, especially seasonal shellfish, should be central to a Hongseong itinerary.
Yeongwol is designed around cultural revitalisation following the decline of the coal-mining economy. The city wants to replace the idea of a mineral mine with a cultural mine. Travelers can visit Cheongnyeongpo, historic sites, museums, riverside landscapes and the Yeongwol Tourism Center. The official tourism centre acts as an integrated information hub for attractions, heritage and natural routes. Local restaurants are well suited to seasonal mountain vegetables and regional dishes. Travelers should stay near central Yeongwol for easier access to the tourism centre and surrounding attractions.
Uijeongbu’s cultural-city vision focuses on citizens, creativity and participation. For travelers, the city offers an opportunity to see a less conventional side of the Seoul metropolitan region. A useful route can include local cultural facilities, markets, public art and food streets. Uijeongbu is particularly associated with budae-jjigae, making the dish an obvious culinary stop. Travelers can use Seoul as their accommodation base for a day trip or stay locally for a slower metropolitan itinerary. Intercity buses connect Uijeongbu with Seoul and other parts of Gyeonggi.
Chilgok is building its cultural-city identity around humanities and shared experiences. The concept is less about one landmark and more about meeting local people, understanding community history and participating in cultural activities. Travelers should therefore look for cultural programmes, local heritage spaces and community events rather than rushing between attractions. Regional Korean food and traditional market dishes fit naturally into the trip. Chilgok can be combined with Daegu or nearby Gyeongsang destinations, making it suitable for travelers building a multi-city cultural route.
Gochang has adopted a healing-oriented cultural identity. Its tourism strengths include natural landscapes, agricultural heritage and historic sites. Travelers can combine Gochang Dolmen sites, Seonunsa Temple, wetlands and rural experiences. Local food should emphasise agricultural products and regional Korean cuisine. A rural stay or accommodation around the main town can provide a quieter alternative to major cities. Gochang works especially well for travelers interested in wellness, archaeology and countryside experiences. Its cultural-city strategy explicitly seeks to share healing-oriented cultural experiences with residents and visitors.
Dalseong focuses on creating a welcoming cultural environment for people moving in and out of the area. Its location near Daegu makes it practical for travelers who want to combine urban and rural experiences. Visitors can explore rural landscapes, parks, cultural facilities and local food areas. Accommodation can be based in Daegu, with Dalseong visited as a day-trip or overnight countryside extension. The destination is particularly useful for travelers wanting to escape dense urban tourism without travelling far from a major city.
Suwon’s cultural-city identity draws strongly on King Jeongjo, civic participation and the city’s planned urban heritage. Hwaseong Fortress is the essential starting point. Travelers can walk sections of the fortress walls, explore Hwaseong Haenggung Palace and experience traditional food streets. Suwon’s size and transport connections make it easy to combine with Seoul. Accommodation around the historic centre provides a stronger cultural experience, while the wider city offers extensive hotel choices. The official cultural-city description also notes Suwon’s large and diverse population, making it an example of an urban cultural city rather than a small heritage town.
Miryang’s cultural-city vision centres on local content, people and spaces. The city is especially relevant to travelers because of Miryang Arirang and its performing arts programmes. Yeongnamnu Pavilion and the Miryang River provide a natural starting point. Visitors can combine heritage sightseeing with performances, festivals and local food. The 2026 Miryang Performing Arts Festival featured 86 performances and events, while the Miryang Arirang Festival remains a major cultural attraction. Travelers should stay in central Miryang when attending festivals and use local markets for regional dishes.
Yeongdeungpo presents a very different form of cultural tourism. Its official identity combines culture, politics, finance, industry and diversity. Travelers can explore Yeouido, the Han River, urban cultural facilities, markets and contemporary arts spaces. The district is best combined with central Seoul rather than treated as an isolated destination. Accommodation is abundant, ranging from business hotels to higher-end properties. Food options span Korean barbecue, traditional markets, modern Korean cuisine and international restaurants. The area demonstrates how a major metropolitan district can use everyday urban life as cultural tourism.
Mokpo is developing its identity around its history as a major port and its new role as a cultural gateway in southwestern Korea. Travelers should explore the old port area, modern cultural venues, museums and nearby islands. Seafood is central to the experience, with local markets offering fish and other marine products. Staying near the old downtown or waterfront provides convenient access to cultural attractions. Mokpo also works as an entry point for southwestern routes toward Jindo, Haenam and other destinations. The official cultural-city programme describes the city as seeking a second development phase through culture.
Iksan is positioning people, history and urban spaces as cultural assets. Travelers should focus on the Baekje heritage landscape, museums and archaeological sites, while using the city as a gateway to wider Jeolla travel. Local restaurants offer Jeolla-style cuisine, known for extensive side dishes and strong seasonal ingredients. Central Iksan is the practical accommodation base. Rail connections also make Iksan useful for multi-city travel. The official VisitKorea rail information places Iksan on the Seoul-Yeongdeungpo-Suwon-Cheonan-Jeonju-Suncheon corridor, making it particularly useful for travelers planning rail-based itineraries.
Gongju’s cultural-city identity focuses on turning residents’ memories and historic resources into future heritage. The city is one of the strongest stops for travelers interested in the Baekje period. Gongju National Museum, Gongsanseong Fortress and royal-tomb heritage can form the core route. Travelers should combine historical sightseeing with local Korean restaurants and traditional markets. A one- or two-night stay in central Gongju works well. The destination is particularly suitable for visitors who want a quieter historical alternative to more crowded heritage destinations.
Gangneung has a distinctive lifestyle-oriented cultural identity. It combines beaches, coffee culture, traditional heritage and the East Sea. A practical route can connect Jeongdongjin, Anmok Coffee Street, Gyeongpo and Jumunjin. Travelers should stay near Gyeongpo or central Gangneung depending on whether beaches or cafés are the priority. Seafood and coffee should dominate the food itinerary. Gangneung has become more accessible through the Donghae Line KTX-Eum. Since December 2025, the full route links Gangneung with Busan in about 3 hours 50 minutes, with six daily services and stops including Pohang and Gyeongju.
Chuncheon is one of the easiest cultural-city additions from Seoul. It can be reached by subway and offers a strong combination of lakes, mountains and leisure. A recommended route includes Soyanggang Dam, Cheongpyeongsa Temple, Samaksan Mountain Lake Cable Car and Nami Island. Chuncheon’s famous dakgalbi provides the signature food experience. Travelers can stay near the city centre, lake areas or Gangchon depending on the itinerary. VisitKorea describes Chuncheon as a popular day-trip destination with lake scenery, cafés, cable-car experiences and accessible public transportation.
Gimhae’s cultural-city identity focuses on its historical resources and the production of new cultural experiences. Travelers should explore the heritage associated with the ancient Gaya kingdom, including royal-tomb sites and museums. Gimhae is also useful as a regional gateway because of its proximity to Busan. Local food should include regional Korean dishes and traditional market fare. Staying in central Gimhae or nearby Busan gives travelers flexibility. A two-city itinerary can combine Gimhae’s ancient history with Busan’s modern coastal culture.
Bupyeong’s cultural-city strategy focuses on citizen-led cultural diversity and sustainable local culture. The district is well suited to travelers interested in contemporary urban life. Bupyeong Market, cultural facilities, cafés, restaurants and music-related spaces can form a flexible walking route. Visitors can stay in Bupyeong or central Incheon and use the metropolitan rail network for wider exploration. Korean street food and multicultural dining are major advantages. The destination works particularly well for repeat visitors who have already experienced Seoul’s main attractions and want a more local urban environment.
Wanju’s cultural-city vision is built around community culture and local participation. This makes the county particularly relevant to slow-travel visitors. Travelers can explore rural villages, local markets, craft activities, agricultural landscapes and community-based cultural programmes. Food should centre on seasonal produce and regional Korean cooking. Rural accommodation or a stay near nearby Jeonju provides the best flexibility. Wanju can be combined with Jeonju because of their proximity, allowing travelers to move from the highly visited Hanok Village environment into quieter countryside experiences.
Wonju presents itself as a city where traditional and contemporary lifestyles coexist. Travelers can combine museums, cultural spaces, mountain scenery and local markets. The city works well as a stop between Seoul and eastern Gangwon destinations. Local Korean food and traditional market dishes can provide the culinary component. Accommodation in central Wonju offers convenient transport. Travelers interested in nature can extend the itinerary into surrounding mountain areas. The cultural-city programme focuses on multiple forms of everyday cultural life rather than a single heritage landmark.
Bucheon is particularly interesting for travelers interested in contemporary Korean creative industries. Its cultural-city identity prioritises citizens and cultural participation. The city’s wider cultural profile is associated with film, animation, comics and creative content. Travelers can build a route around cultural facilities, exhibitions and creative-industry attractions. Staying in Bucheon or western Seoul gives easy access to both the city and metropolitan attractions. Food choices include Korean restaurants, markets and modern cafés. Bucheon is a strong choice for repeat Korea visitors seeking something beyond palaces and traditional villages.
Pohang is transforming its industrial identity through culture. Its cultural-city vision explicitly seeks to move beyond a steel-focused economic image. Travelers can combine industrial heritage with Yeongildae Beach, coastal attractions, markets and contemporary cultural spaces. Seafood is the natural culinary focus, particularly fresh fish and regional dishes. Central Pohang or the coastal area provides convenient accommodation. The new Donghae Line KTX-Eum also improves access from Gangneung and other east-coast destinations, making Pohang a practical stop on a coastal rail itinerary.
Yeongdo’s cultural-city identity connects people, nature and history through art. Travelers can explore the island district’s port heritage, coastal landscapes, creative spaces and cafés. Taejongdae and Huinnyeoul Culture Village are natural additions to a wider Busan itinerary. Seafood and Busan-style market dishes should lead the food plan. Travelers can stay in central Busan and use local transport, or select accommodation closer to Yeongdo for a slower experience. Yeongdo is especially attractive for photographers and visitors interested in industrial, maritime and contemporary urban landscapes.
Seogwipo’s cultural-city vision centres on the cultural and ecological identity of its 105 villages. This gives travelers a strong reason to explore beyond Jeju’s headline attractions. A route can combine waterfalls, volcanic landscapes, coastal villages, markets and local cultural spaces. Hallabong citrus, seafood and Jeju-style pork are major food experiences. Travelers can stay around Seogwipo’s central area or coastal resorts. A rental car remains useful for reaching dispersed attractions, while organised tours can reduce transport complexity. The city’s approach places local village identity alongside ecological tourism.
Cheonan’s cultural-city model focuses on cultural industry and citizen participation. Travelers can combine museums, historic sites, markets and K-culture events. The city is particularly accessible from Seoul and central Korea by rail and express bus. Local food includes regional Korean specialities and traditional market snacks. Staying near Cheonan Station offers convenient access for short visits. The city also fits naturally into a broader Chungcheong cultural route with Gongju, Sejong and Cheongju. Its designation makes it a useful example of a city using cultural production as an economic and tourism strategy.
Cheongju has developed a cultural identity around records and the preservation of knowledge. Travelers can explore the city’s museums, cultural facilities and heritage connected with early printing and documentary traditions. The Cheongju Craft Biennale and other cultural programmes add a contemporary dimension. Local markets and Korean restaurants provide the food experience, while central accommodation makes the city easy to explore. Cheongju is particularly suitable for travelers interested in books, printing, museums and creative culture rather than conventional sightseeing alone.
The official database contains exactly 37 designated locations. The complete sequence is: Sokcho, Anseong, Andong, Jinju, Tongyeong, Suseong-gu, Suyeong-gu, Suncheon, Jeonju, Jindo, Sejong, Chungju, Hongseong, Yeongwol, Uijeongbu, Chilgok, Dalseong, Ulsan, Gochang, Suwon, Miryang, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Mokpo, Iksan, Gongju, Gangneung, Chuncheon, Gimhae, Bupyeong-gu, Wanju, Wonju, Bucheon, Pohang, Yeongdo-gu, Seogwipo, Cheonan and Cheongju. The official government database confirms this 37-city structure and its five-round designation history.
| Designation | Period | Cities | Number |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Cultural Cities | 2020-2024 | Wonju, Bucheon, Pohang, Yeongdo, Seogwipo, Cheonan, Cheongju | 7 |
| 2nd Cultural Cities | 2021-2025 | Gangneung, Chuncheon, Gimhae, Bupyeong, Wanju | 5 |
| 3rd Cultural Cities | 2022-2026 | Suwon, Miryang, Yeongdeungpo, Mokpo, Iksan, Gongju | 6 |
| 4th Cultural Cities | 2023-2027 | Gochang, Dalseong, Yeongwol, Ulsan, Uijeongbu, Chilgok | 6 |
| Korea Cultural Cities | 2025-2027 | Sokcho, Anseong, Andong, Jinju, Tongyeong, Suseong, Suyeong, Suncheon, Jeonju, Jindo, Sejong, Chungju, Hongseong | 13 |
| Total | 37 |
The official government system confirms the designation years and city distribution.
| City | Main cultural direction | Strong travel angle |
|---|---|---|
| Sokcho | Food culture | Seafood, market, coast, Seoraksan |
| Anseong | Craft culture | Crafts, markets, festivals |
| Andong | Traditional culture | Hahoe, Confucian heritage, hanok |
| Jinju | Cultural industry | Fortress, river, festivals |
| Tongyeong | Arts | Coast, islands, creative culture |
| Suseong | Visual arts | Media art, galleries |
| Suyeong | Beach culture | Gwangalli, festivals, nightlife |
| Suncheon | Animation/content | Wetlands, gardens, creative tourism |
| Jeonju | Future cultural industry | Hanok, food, traditional culture |
| Jindo | Folk culture | Island traditions, performances |
| Sejong | Hangul | Language, modern city culture |
| Chungju | Gugak | Traditional music, lake |
| Hongseong | Local content | Food, coast, local experiences |
| Yeongwol | Cultural regeneration | Nature, museums, heritage |
| Uijeongbu | Civic culture | Markets, food, metropolitan travel |
| Chilgok | Humanities | Community and history |
| Dalseong | Community culture | Rural escape near Daegu |
| Ulsan | Cultural experimentation | Industrial and coastal culture |
| Gochang | Healing | Nature, heritage, wellness |
| Suwon | Civic heritage | Hwaseong Fortress |
| Miryang | Local content | Arirang, performing arts |
| Yeongdeungpo | Urban culture | Han River, contemporary Seoul |
| Mokpo | Port culture | Heritage, seafood, islands |
| Iksan | History | Baekje heritage |
| Gongju | Future heritage | Baekje sites, museums |
| Gangneung | Lifestyle | Coffee, beaches, heritage |
| Chuncheon | Civic lifestyle | Lakes, cable car, leisure |
| Gimhae | History | Gaya heritage |
| Bupyeong | Cultural diversity | Music, markets, urban life |
| Wanju | Community culture | Rural and slow travel |
| Wonju | Everyday culture | Art, nature, local life |
| Bucheon | Civic culture | Film, animation, comics |
| Pohang | Industrial-to-cultural transition | Steel, coast, rail travel |
| Yeongdo | Arts and urban island culture | Port, coast, art |
| Seogwipo | Ecological village culture | Jeju nature, villages |
| Cheonan | Cultural industry | K-culture, museums |
| Cheongju | Records culture | Printing, museums, crafts |
The cultural directions above are based on the official Regional Culture Information System descriptions.
A major distinction must be made between South Korea’s official foreign-arrival statistics and city-level tourism big data.
National foreign-arrival statistics count arrivals and can therefore be compared directly across years. City-level KTO mobile-data visitor figures are designed primarily for trend analysis and may count repeated daily visits by the same individual.
Year South Korea foreign arrivals Change 2021 967,003 -61.6% 2022 3,198,017 +230.7% 2023 11,031,665 +244.9% 2024 16,369,629 +48.3% 2025 18,936,562 +15.7%
The national recovery provides the background against which regional cultural tourism is developing.
Some individual destinations publish attraction-level figures that are more suitable for tourism reporting.
Destination Period Indicator Verified figure Hongseong 2022 Visitors to 35 major tourist sites About 4.47 million Hongseong 2025 Visitors to 35 major tourist sites About 7.66 million Hongseong 2022-2025 Increase About 71.3% Sokcho Jan-Jun 2025 Average monthly staying population 734,978 Sokcho Jan 2025 Monthly staying population 805,674 Sokcho May 2025 Monthly staying population 871,676 Sokcho Jun 2025 Monthly staying population 826,797 Sokcho 2025 Planned cruise calls 4 Sokcho 2025 Expected cruise visitors About 10,000
Hongseong’s increase was associated with tourism infrastructure including Namdanghang facilities, a new Sky Tower and coastal improvements.
Sokcho’s 2025 monthly staying-population figures demonstrate the scale of temporary population inflow, but they should not be described as unique tourists. The KTO methodology distinguishes staying population from daily visitor measurements.
One of the strongest new travel corridors is the east-coast rail route.
The Donghae Line KTX-Eum began operating across the full route on December 30, 2025. It connects Busan and Gangneung in approximately 3 hours 50 minutes and operates six services per day, three in each direction.
The route includes:
Stop Cultural/travel opportunity Bujeon Busan urban culture Taehwagang Ulsan Gyeongju Heritage extension Pohang Coastal and industrial culture Yeongdeok East Coast scenery Uljin Coastal nature Samcheok Marine attractions Donghae Beaches and coast Mukho Port culture Jeongdongjin Sunrise and beach Gangneung Coffee, beaches and heritage
This route creates a practical way for international visitors to connect several cultural and tourism destinations without relying entirely on private cars.
Another powerful route follows the southern coast.
The official tourism rail network includes a themed South Coast train route connecting Busan, Jinju, Hadong, Suncheon, Jangheung, Gangjin, Haenam, Yeongam and Mokpo. The route takes approximately 4 hours 40 minutes.
This makes it possible to combine:
Busan → Jinju → Suncheon → Jangheung → Haenam → Mokpo
Travelers can build the journey around fortress history, coastal landscapes, food markets, wetlands, traditional culture and port heritage.
The Jeolla rail corridor offers another efficient multi-city option.
The official tourism information lists a Seoul-Yeongdeungpo-Suwon-Cheonan-Iksan-Jeonju-Imsil-Namwon-Gokseong-Suncheon route continuing toward Yeosu.
For cultural-city travelers, the strongest section is:
Cheonan → Iksan → Jeonju → Suncheon
This creates a journey from cultural industry and modern K-culture through Baekje history, Hanok culture, food, wetlands and creative content.
| Day | Destination | Main experience | Suggested overnight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Seoul | Arrival and Seoul culture | Seoul |
| 2 | Suwon | Hwaseong Fortress | Suwon |
| 3 | Cheonan | Cultural industry and local food | Cheonan |
| 4 | Gongju | Baekje heritage | Gongju |
| 5 | Cheongju | Records and craft culture | Cheongju |
| 6 | Jeonju | Hanok Village and food | Jeonju |
| 7 | Iksan | Heritage and museums | Iksan |
| 8 | Suncheon | Wetlands and garden | Suncheon |
| 9 | Jinju | Fortress and Namgang | Jinju |
| 10 | Tongyeong | Art and islands | Tongyeong |
| 11 | Busan/Suyeong | Gwangalli and beach culture | Busan |
| 12 | Yeongdo | Maritime and artistic culture | Busan |
| 13 | Pohang | East Coast and modern culture | Pohang |
| 14 | Gangneung | Coffee and beach culture | Gangneung |
For travelers with additional time, Andong, Sokcho, Chuncheon, Yeongwol, Jindo and Seogwipo can be added as specialist cultural extensions.
| Travel style | Best accommodation base |
|---|---|
| Heritage | Andong, Jeonju, Gongju |
| Beach and food | Sokcho, Suyeong, Gangneung |
| Arts | Tongyeong, Suseong, Yeongdo |
| Rural slow travel | Wanju, Gochang, Yeongwol |
| Family travel | Chuncheon, Suncheon, Seogwipo |
| Rail-based trip | Suwon, Cheonan, Iksan, Gangneung |
| Food tourism | Jeonju, Sokcho, Suncheon, Hongseong |
| K-culture | Cheonan, Bucheon, Suwon |
| Island travel | Jindo, Tongyeong, Seogwipo |
| Traditional Korea | Andong, Jeonju, Gongju, Jinju |
| Destination cluster | Food focus |
|---|---|
| Sokcho | Seafood, squid, pollock |
| Gangneung | Coffee, seafood, local Korean dishes |
| Chuncheon | Dakgalbi |
| Andong | Andong-style dishes and traditional drinks |
| Jeonju | Bibimbap, traditional Korean dishes |
| Suncheon | Local produce and seasonal cuisine |
| Jinju | Jinju-style local dishes |
| Tongyeong | Seafood and coastal cuisine |
| Jindo | Island seafood and agricultural products |
| Mokpo | Southern coastal seafood |
| Gochang | Farm produce and regional cuisine |
| Hongseong | Seafood and seasonal shellfish |
| Suwon | Korean barbecue and traditional food |
| Busan districts | Seafood, market food and street food |
| Seogwipo | Jeju pork, seafood and citrus |
The biggest opportunity is not simply adding 37 names to a tourism list.
The cultural-city programme is creating different reasons to travel.
A visitor can travel to Andong for traditional heritage, Jeonju for Hanok culture and food, Suncheon for ecology and creative content, Tongyeong for art and islands, Gangneung for coffee and beaches, Sokcho for food and mountains, and Miryang for Arirang and performing arts.
The result is a more diversified South Korean itinerary.
Instead of spending an entire holiday in Seoul and Busan, international travelers can now construct journeys around themes.
A food traveler can follow Sokcho, Jeonju, Suncheon and Hongseong.
A heritage traveler can connect Suwon, Gongju, Iksan and Andong.
A coastal traveler can use the new Donghae Line between Gangneung and Busan.
A creative traveler can combine Bucheon, Suseong, Suncheon, Jeonju and Cheongju.
A slow-travel visitor can focus on Gochang, Wanju, Yeongwol and Seogwipo.
The government’s cultural-city strategy is designed around local resources rather than copying Seoul’s tourism model.
That distinction matters.
The official programme recognises culture as a tool for sustainable regional development, while the Korea Cultural City model is intended to strengthen cultural conditions beyond individual municipal boundaries.
The current network therefore offers international visitors a broader Korean travel map.
The strongest opportunities are likely to come from combining cultural attractions with transport improvements, festivals, local food, accommodation and longer stays.
The new east-coast KTX-Eum route already demonstrates how improved transport can make multi-destination travel easier.
At the same time, destinations such as Hongseong show how new tourism infrastructure can coincide with significant growth in attraction-level visitor numbers.
For global tourists, the message is straightforward: South Korea’s next tourism story is no longer limited to its biggest cities.
The country’s 37 cultural cities offer a growing network of heritage, food, art, nature, festivals, creative industries and community experiences.
For travelers willing to go beyond the familiar Korean itinerary, these destinations provide a practical route toward a more regional, immersive and varied experience of South Korea.
Sokcho Teams Up With Andong and more as Korea’s 37 Cultural Cities create a fresh tourism wave across the country. Together, these destinations show travelers a different side of Korea, where heritage, food, festivals, nature, art and local traditions come alive. Moreover, the growing cultural-city network gives international visitors more reasons to travel beyond Seoul, Busan and Jeju. From Sokcho’s coastal experiences to Andong’s traditional heritage, every destination offers its own story. Travel And Tour World urges global travelers to look beyond Korea’s familiar hotspots and discover these emerging cultural destinations. As regional tourism grows, Korea’s 37 Cultural Cities could become the next major chapter in the country’s global travel story.
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Tags: Andong, Korea cultural tourism, Korea’s 37 Cultural Cities, Korean cultural cities, regional tourism Korea
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Sunday, September 13, 2026
Sunday, September 13, 2026
Sunday, September 13, 2026
Sunday, September 13, 2026
Sunday, September 13, 2026
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Sunday, September 13, 2026
Sunday, September 13, 2026
