Gyeongju Designated Global Tourism Special Zone with 30 Billion Won Funding

The city of Gyeongju in South Korea has been selected for the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism’s 2026 Global Tourism Special Zone program. The designation secures 30 billion won in national funding, matched by an equal amount of local funds, for a total investment of 60 billion won over two years.

The project will develop a range of tourism initiatives, including a global branding campaign, AI‑driven tourism data platforms, night‑time attractions, and streamlined payment and transport services for foreign visitors. Gyeongju’s recent surge in inbound tourism – 1.57 million foreign visitors in 2024, up from 1.97 million the previous year – is attributed to its historic sites and its role as the host city for the 2022 APEC summit.

Local officials say the aim is to transform Gyeongju into a stay‑over destination, extending visitor stays and spending to boost the regional economy.