The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Tourism Organization finally selected Andong City’s Yeumteo Village and Iyuksa Literature Museum as the project target for the ‘2025 Open Tourist Destination Development Project’. As a result, Andong City achieved the feat of being selected for the open tourist destination development project for two consecutive years.
The Open Tourist Site Creation Project is a project aimed at creating a barrier-free tourism environment so that tourists can tour without restrictions. In this contest, 35 local governments across the country applied for 86 tourist sites, showing the highest application rate ever since the project was launched.
Andong City recognized the importance of open tourist destinations and prepared for a public offering project from the beginning of the year. Despite the higher competition threshold, Andong City was recognized as a competitive local government in the open tourist site development project with its firm business will and solid business plan being highly evaluated.
‘Yeumteo Village’, which was integrated and opened in 2016, offers high-quality old house lodging facilities that have improved traditional buildings in seven villages, including old houses, pavilions, and jaesa built during the Joseon Dynasty, and reexamines old houses in the Andong region, providing traditional beauty, services, content, and social services. It is a unique traditional cultural complex cultural space unique to Andong, refurbished with added value.
The Lee Yuksa Literature Museum was established in Andong City in 2004 in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of Lee Yuksa’s birth in Woncheon-ri, Dosan-myeon, Andong-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do, the hometown of Yooksa Lee, and promotes the independence spirit and achievements of Yooksa Lee.
Meanwhile, the Wolyeong Bridge and Seonseonghyeon Cultural Complex areas, which were selected for the 2024 Open Tourist Site Creation Project, are currently under construction, and the Yeumteo Village and Leeyuksa Literary Museum, which were selected for the 2025 Open Tourist Site Development Project, will begin full-scale projects next year with a total project cost of KRW 1 billion, including KRW 500 million in government funds. Do it.
In Yeumteo Village, we are promoting infrastructure improvements such as ▲ improvement of pedestrian paths, ▲ remodeling of luxury guestrooms specializing in barrier-free access, ▲ barefoot experience program on Yeumteo Village’s red clay road, and ▲ content development projects that allow people to experience traditional culture.
Leeyuksa Literary Museum plans to improve facilities such as ▲maintaining a parking lot for the disabled ▲remodeling specialized rooms for disabled people, ▲literature reading commentary program in connection with the Green Grape Drawing Contest ▲operating participatory programs such as Oullim Culture and Arts School.
Andong Mayor Kwon Ki-chang said, “We will make sure that everyone can enjoy the hidden charms of Andong, a tourist hub city, without the underprivileged,” and added, “We will make Andong a representative open tourist destination in Korea in the future.”
Meanwhile, after the founding general meeting of the World Humanities Cities Network on Thursday, October 31, a meeting between Andong City and domestic participating cities, united by the humanities, was held in the ADCO VIP room. At this meeting, Andong Mayor Kwon Ki-chang, Gwangju Metropolitan City Dong-gu Office Director Im Taek, Gongju City Citizen Autonomy Director Kang Seok-gwang, and Gyeonggi-do Gwangju City Deputy Mayor Kim Chung-beom, representatives from each city attended the meeting to strengthen mutual solidarity based on the common topic of ‘humanities’.
This meeting was part of the inaugural general meeting of the World Humanities Cities Network (WHCN), and was an opportunity to create a meeting place between domestic cities participating in the network based on humanities values and to expand sustainable development and mutual exchange between cities based on this. It was a place to prepare. To this end, representatives from each city held a forum for exchange to discuss the problems and solutions facing each city, and agreed to continue cooperation in the future.
By handing over souvenirs representing each other’s cities, we have built a bonding relationship between domestic cities through humanities, providing an opportunity to move away from relationships centered on utility and suggest a new direction.
Andong Mayor Kwon Ki-chang said, “I hope you can enjoy the essence of spiritual culture in Andong, the capital of Korean spiritual culture, and the World Humanities Cities Network is a cornerstone of sharing visions and solutions based on humanities reflection and sharing the challenges each city faces.” “I hope we can solidify this,” he said.
Economy Queen Reporter Hongmi Kim / Photo Andong City
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Andong Tourism Expert
Time.news Editor (E): Welcome to the interview! Today, we’re excited to talk about Andong City’s recent selection for the 2025 Open Tourist Destination Development Project. Joining us is Dr. Ji-Hoon Lee, a renowned expert in tourism development and cultural heritage. Thank you for being here, Dr. Lee.
Dr. Ji-Hoon Lee (L): Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to discuss such an important topic.
E: Andong has achieved a significant milestone by being selected for the project for two consecutive years. What does this say about the city’s commitment to tourism?
L: It speaks volumes! Andong City has demonstrated a strong commitment to providing inclusive and accessible tourism. Their proactive approach to this project, starting preparations early in the year, indicates a well-organized and forward-thinking local government.
E: You mentioned inclusivity. Can you elaborate on how the Open Tourist Site Creation Project promotes barrier-free tourism?
L: Certainly! The project aims to eliminate obstacles that typically hinder tourists from fully enjoying the sights. For instance, Yeumteo Village will see enhancements such as improved pedestrian paths and specialized rooms for disabled guests. Such initiatives ensure that everyone can explore and appreciate cultural heritage without restrictions.
E: The Yeumteo Village and the Lee Yuksa Literature Museum are at the heart of this initiative. What makes these locations stand out?
L: Yeumteo Village is a stunning example of traditional Korean architecture, providing guests with authentic lodging experiences among historic structures. It’s not just about accommodation; it’s about immersing visitors in Andong’s rich cultural tapestry. The Lee Yuksa Literature Museum, on the other hand, celebrates the life and works of the influential poet Lee Yuksa, offering a profound insight into Korea’s literary heritage while promoting the spirit of independence.
E: That’s fascinating! With a total project cost of around KRW 1 billion, what specific improvements can we expect to see at these sites?
L: The investment will be directed towards various enhancements. For Yeumteo Village, they plan to remodel luxury guest rooms for better accessibility and create programs that invite visitors to engage with traditional culture hands-on. At the Lee Yuksa Museum, they’re focusing on maintaining facilities for disabled visitors and offering unique participatory programs that connect literature with the local arts.
E: Andong’s Mayor Kwon Ki-chang has expressed a vision for making Andong a representative open tourist destination in Korea. How achievable is this goal?
L: It’s absolutely achievable with the right strategies and community engagement. By focusing on sustainable tourism and preserving cultural integrity, while also ensuring accessibility, Andong is setting the stage for a promising future. The success of these initiatives may well inspire other regions to adopt similar practices.
E: Exciting prospects ahead! how important do you think projects like this are for the local economy and community?
L: Such projects are vital. They not only boost the local economy through increased tourism but also foster community pride and cultural identity. When locals see their heritage being appreciated by visitors, it strengthens the communal fabric and encourages participation in preserving their unique culture.
E: Thank you, Dr. Lee, for sharing your insights. It seems like Andong is on a transformative path that could set new standards in tourism development.
L: Thank you for having me. I look forward to seeing Andong thrive as an open tourist destination!
E: We will definitely be following Andong’s progress closely. Thank you to our readers for tuning in!