Pyeongchang-gun won the ‘Korea Trusted Innovation Award’ for six consecutive years. Pyeongchang-gun achieved the feat of winning the ‘2024 Korea Trusted Innovation Award’ in the public sector in the tourism sector for six consecutive years.
Hosted by JoongAng Ilbo and Forbes Korea and sponsored by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, the ‘Korea Trusted innovation awards’ is given to organizations, companies and brands that are making creative efforts and strengthening their expertise through continuous challenge and innovation in each field amid the global economic crisis. This is an award given.
Pyeongchang-gun is contributing to revitalizing the tourism business by continuously promoting tourism projects such as city tours, tourist taxis, and local tourism festivals. In addition, in line with various tourism trends, it promotes digital tourist ID cards, supports tourism dure projects, and promotes local tourism promotion organizations (DMOs). ) We are striving to revitalize regional tourism with local residents, including fostering tourism.
In addition,following the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics,Pyeongchang-gun successfully hosted the 2024 Gangwon Winter Youth Olympics earlier this year,and also succeeded in hosting the 2025 World Olympic Cities Federation General assembly in November,providing an possibility to promote Pyeongchang to the world once again. Efforts are being made to promote the attraction of domestic and foreign tourists in connection with this plan.
Pyeongchang County Governor Shim jae-guk said, “The record of winning the innovation Award six times is the fruit of Pyeongchang County’s tireless efforts as a representative tourist destination in Korea, and we will continue to do our best to become an optimal tourist destination in line with rapidly changing tourism trends.” revealed.
Meanwhile, Pyeongchang-gun announced on the 29th that it was selected as an excellent organization ‘encouraged’ in the ‘2024 complete evaluation of city-county civil affairs governance field’ hosted by Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province.
In this evaluation, the entire civil affairs administration field was evaluated on 10 items in two areas, including efforts to improve civil service and civil service administration system operation and activities, and four excellent organizations and five public officials of merit were selected. the evaluation results will be reflected in the 2025 provincial civil complaint administration system improvement guidelines and city/county civil complaint administration field evaluation plans.
Pyeongchang-gun is superior to other cities and counties in processing civil complaints, and has been recognized for its performance in providing civil service services, such as installing a window for the socially disadvantaged, providing convenience items for civil complaints, providing best practices, and providing civil complaint services for those eligible for social consideration.
In particular, this year, safety glass was installed at six community center windows in Mitan, Bangrim, and Daehwa, and a total of 110 portable protective equipment, including 105 voice recorders and 6 body cameras, were distributed to civil servants in charge of civil complaints, ensuring the safety of civil servants. We were comprehensively recognized for our efforts in improvement activities.
Pyeongchang County Mayor Shim jae-guk said, “I would like to thank the people in charge of civil affairs affairs for their hard work on the front lines, including successfully reaccrediting the National happiness Civil Affairs Office in 2024 and receiving a commendation from the Minister of Public Administration and Security, as well as receiving excellent grades in the comprehensive evaluation of city-county civil affairs administration.” ,
“We will not be complacent with the evaluation results, but will do our best to ensure the safety of civil servants, improve the inconveniences of residents, and provide civil service services more conveniently and quickly,” he said.
Economy Queen Reporter Choi Hana
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What innovative tourism strategies are being implemented by Pyeongchang-gun to maintain its recognition in the Korea Trusted Innovation Awards?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Tourism Expert Dr. Ji-soo Lee
Time.news Editor (TNE): A warm welcome to Dr. Ji-soo Lee, an expert in lasting tourism and innovation.Thank you for joining us today to discuss the extraordinary achievement of Pyeongchang-gun in winning the ‘Korea Trusted Innovation Award’ for six consecutive years.
Dr. Ji-soo Lee (Dr.Lee): Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to discuss such an inspiring accomplishment.
TNE: Pyeongchang-gun’s consistent recognition in the Korea Trusted Innovation Awards is remarkable. Can you shed some light on what makes this achievement notably meaningful for the region?
dr. Lee: Absolutely! winning the Korea Trusted Innovation Award for six consecutive years reflects Pyeongchang-gun’s commitment to continuous improvement and innovation in the public sector, specifically in tourism. This recognition not only boosts their credibility but also enhances their visibility as a leading tourist destination in South Korea amid challenging times.
TNE: the awards are sponsored by reputable institutions such as JoongAng Ilbo and Forbes Korea. How significant do you think external validation like this is for local governments and organizations?
Dr. Lee: External validation plays a crucial role, especially in tourism, where trust is a key factor for potential visitors. For local governments, such awards can validate their efforts and enhance their reputation, attracting not only tourists but also investors and new businesses. It’s a strong signal that they are on the right track.
TNE: Pyeongchang-gun has implemented various tourism projects, such as city tours and tourist taxis. How do these initiatives contribute to revitalizing the local tourism business?
Dr. Lee: Initiatives such as city tours and tourist taxis provide accessible and unique experiences for visitors, showcasing local culture and attractions. They play a vital role in enhancing the overall tourist experience, thereby encouraging longer stays and repeat visits.These projects also create jobs and stimulate the local economy, fostering a sustainable tourism model.
TNE: Given the global economic challenges, what innovative strategies do you see other regions adopting to parallel Pyeongchang-gun’s success?
Dr. Lee: Many regions are adopting digital conversion strategies, utilizing technology to streamline visitor experiences. Such as, virtual tours, enhanced booking systems, and AI-driven customer service are becoming increasingly popular. moreover, there’s a focus on eco-tourism and local community engagement, helping to create a more sustainable tourism ecosystem.
TNE: You mentioned the importance of sustainability. How does combining innovation and sustainability benefit a tourist destination in the long run?
Dr. Lee: Combining innovation and sustainability not only attracts environmentally-conscious travelers but also ensures that natural and cultural resources are preserved for future generations. This synergy can lead to unique experiences that set a destination apart, fostering deeper connections between tourists and the local community, which is essential for long-term success.
TNE: What do you envision for Pyeongchang-gun’s future as it continues to build on its trusted innovation status?
Dr. Lee: I envision Pyeongchang-gun expanding its innovative projects, perhaps introducing smart tourism strategies that leverage data to personalize visitor experiences. Continued community involvement and engagement in tourism development will also be key. If they maintain this momentum, Pyeongchang-gun could position itself as a global leader in sustainable and innovative tourism.
TNE: Fascinating insights, Dr. Lee! It seems that Pyeongchang-gun is not just leading the way for local tourism but possibly setting benchmarks on a larger scale. Thank you for your time and valuable perspectives.
Dr. Lee: Thank you! It’s always exciting to discuss the potential of tourism and the role of innovation in shaping its future.