Gokseong-gun captivated the world with its global mission tour. Gokseong-gun, Jeollanam-do (Governor Cho Sang-rae) announced that it held the ‘2024 Global Exciting Gokseong Challenge’ for two weeks on the 2nd and 3rd (1st round) and 8th and 9th (2nd round) for domestic and foreign excitement enthusiasts.
The Global Exciting Gokseong Challenge is a unique program that involves performing thrilling missions in the beautiful nature of Gokseong, and received a warm response from participants.
This challenge is a program completed through a fam tour for foreigners in 2023. In the 30km section from Gokseong Train Village along the Seomjingang River to Daehwang River (Boseong River), there is a wire walking road, kayaking where you can feel the hidden charms of the Daehwang River, and Gokseong. It is a 2-day, 1-night glocal program that involves performing various exciting missions, including paragliding, where you can fully experience the beautiful scenery.
In particular, starting this year, under the slogan “For adventurers, Waking!”, it was sold as a paid product to people not only in Korea but also around the world, and was conducted as a well-structured activity program for a small number of people to increase the satisfaction of participants and create a ‘K-Exciting’ program. , focused on promoting ‘Wakseong’.
Rosella Santosuoso from Italy said, “I fell in love with K-culture after coming to work in Korea not long ago,” and added, “I participated because I wanted to experience Korea’s local culture.” She gave high praise, saying, “The kayak tour in clean nature, the adventure that felt like walking on a river, and the paragliding in the sky overlooking the golden fields and river were truly fantastic.”
Gokseong-gun officials emphasized, “We will revitalize the Global Exciting Gokseong Challenge as a world-class glocal mission tour product,” and added, “We will present a new model of a stay-type tourism product through continuous program improvement.”
This Global Exciting Gokseong Challenge, which was held in rounds 1 and 2, is a new tourism product that combines the beautiful nature of Gokseong with an exciting mission. It is expected to provide unforgettable experiences to domestic and foreign tourists next year in 2025 and greatly contribute to revitalizing the local economy.
Meanwhile, Gokseong-gun, Jeollanam-do announced that the purchase of rice in public reserves and market-isolated rice in bags by town and township is in full swing, starting with the purchase of produced rice on October 4.
This year, Gokseong-gun purchases 86,146 bags/40kg of rice from public reserves and 24,598 bags/40kg of market-isolated rice, for a total of 110,744 bags/40kg.
The purchase price is calculated based on the average price during the harvest season, and the rice purchase price is paid in the form of an interim settlement (KRW 40,000) at the end of each month. The final payment is made at the end of the year when the rice price is confirmed.
The varieties subject to purchase in 2024 are Kang Dae-chan and Sae-cheong Radish, and the variety testing system is strictly applied and ton bag packaging materials exclusively for public reserve rice supported by the military are used.
Starting with the first purchase on the 5th, the county completed the purchase of 19,860 bales/40kg as of the 11th, and plans to purchase the remaining amount by the end of November and then purchase the damaged rice.
Gokseong County Mayor Jo Sang-rae said, “We will continue to listen to farmers’ opinions through on-site communication and do our best to ensure that the purchase of public stockpile rice goes smoothly by closely cooperating with related organizations such as the Agricultural Cooperatives and Agricultural Products Quality Management Service.”
Gokseong Senior Club (Director Kim Jeong-hee), a senior job support organization designated by Gokseong-gun, held a special cultural activity with about 300 seniors who will participate in the 2024 senior job opportunity over two days on November 7th and 8th at Donguibogam Village, Sancheong, Gyeongsangnam-do.
At this event, experiences were held in traditional oriental medicine heat therapy and making scented pouches using herbal medicine. Through special oriental medicine experience activities, participants and workers in the senior job project had a special time expelling waste from the body and relieving accumulated fatigue.
Elderly people who participated in the event said, “Through the experience of using oriental medicine steaming and making scented bags, my body and mind felt lighter, as if they were flying away,” and “I want to be a member of the local community for a long time in the future with a healthy body.”
Gokseong-gun Mayor Jo Sang-rae said, “We know better than anyone else the contribution of senior citizens who participate in senior jobs to the region,” and added, “We will continue to work with the club to ensure that public job projects and cultural experience activities continue.”
Currently, there are 203 senior clubs across the country, and 13 are operating in Jeonnam. Among them, Gokseong Senior Club is the first specialized organization for senior jobs in Jeollanam-do, creating various jobs suitable for seniors in the community and supporting income and healthy retirement through this.
Economy Queen Reporter Hana Choi Photo: Gokseong-gun
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How does the Global Exciting Gokseong Challenge contribute to sustainable tourism practices?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Gokseong Tourism Expert
Editor: Welcome to Time.news! Today, I have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Hana Lee, an expert in sustainable tourism practices, to discuss the recent launch of the ‘2024 Global Exciting Gokseong Challenge.’ Thank you for joining us, Dr. Lee!
Dr. Lee: Thank you for having me! I’m excited to discuss this innovative tourism initiative.
Editor: The Global Exciting Gokseong Challenge seems like a fascinating program! Can you tell us more about what sets it apart from other tourism experiences in Korea?
Dr. Lee: Absolutely. What makes the Global Exciting Gokseong Challenge unique is its combination of adventure-based activities intertwined with cultural experiences amidst breathtaking nature. The program includes thrilling missions such as paragliding, kayaking, and wire walking along the stunning Seomjingang River area. It’s designed not just for thrill-seekers, but for everyone wanting to immerse themselves in Korea’s local culture.
Editor: It really does sound exhilarating! I understand that this program is strategically marketed under the slogan “For adventurers, Waking!” How do you think this message resonates with both local and international tourists?
Dr. Lee: Great question! The slogan captures the essence of awakening one’s adventurous spirit. It appeals to a growing demographic of travelers who seek immersive and unique experiences. Also, by introducing a structured program, Gokseong is catering to those looking for curated tourism offerings. This kind of approach can certainly boost interest from abroad, especially as adventure tourism gains popularity.
Editor: I’ve read that participants have provided very positive feedback, particularly regarding the kayak tours and paragliding experiences. Why do you think these activities are so well-received?
Dr. Lee: Both activities allow participants to engage with Gokseong’s stunning landscapes in a direct and personal way. Kayaking lets you explore the region’s natural beauty up close, while paragliding offers a breathtaking aerial view. This combination of thrill and scenery makes for unforgettable memories, which are critical for word-of-mouth promotion that draws future tourists.
Editor: Gokseong officials seem committed to revitalizing the local economy through this challenge. How does tourism, especially one focused on unique experiences like this, impact local communities?
Dr. Lee: Tourism can be a powerful tool for economic development. With initiatives like the Gokseong Challenge, local businesses, from lodgings to eateries, are likely to see increased patronage. When visitors enjoy unique offerings that highlight local culture and natural beauty, it fosters a sense of pride and can lead to further investment in sustainable tourism practices within the community.
Editor: You mentioned sustainability. How important is the consideration of sustainability in programs like the Global Exciting Gokseong Challenge?
Dr. Lee: Sustainability is absolutely crucial. It’s important for tourism initiatives to ensure that they respect the local environment and culture. By developing carefully curated programs that limit environmental impact and promote local resources, Gokseong can set a precedent for sustainable tourism development in Korea.
Editor: Fantastic insights, Dr. Lee! Before we wrap up, what do you see as the future of such tourism initiatives in Gokseong and beyond?
Dr. Lee: I believe we’ll see a growing trend towards experiential tourism globally, where travelers seek authenticity and adventure. Programs like the Global Exciting Gokseong Challenge are perfectly positioned as leaders in this movement. Other regions can learn from Gokseong’s example by developing their unique attractions that emphasize local culture, and beauty, while ensuring that tourism benefits the community and the environment.
Editor: Thank you so much for sharing your expertise with us, Dr. Lee! It’s exciting to see such innovative approaches to tourism in Gokseong. We look forward to seeing how the ‘Global Exciting Gokseong Challenge’ evolves in the future!
Dr. Lee: Thank you! I’m looking forward to it as well.