Province operates joint pavilion with 6 cities and counties, proving international tourism competitiveness
South Chungcheong Province has again demonstrated its standing as an international tourism destination.
The province announced Friday that it won the grand prize in the metropolitan government category at the 2026 Korea International Tourism Expo, held at KINTEX in Ilsan from July 3 to 5. The award marks back-to-back wins, following the province's top prize at the 10th Korea International Tourism Expo in 2025.
The expo, organized by the Korea International Tourism Expo Organizing Committee and the Korea Regional Newspaper Association and hosted by the Korea Exhibition Industry Institute, is the country's largest comprehensive tourism fair. This year's edition drew more than 300 institutions and companies, including all 17 of the country's metropolitan and provincial governments.
The province operated a joint pavilion with six cities and counties — Cheonan, Gyeryong, Geumsan, Seocheon, Cheongyang and Taean — effectively promoting each area's signature tourist attractions, local festivals and distinctive tourism resources, drawing high marks from both visitors and judges.
The province has consistently developed differentiated tourism content each year. At this year's expo, it drew considerable attention with marketing focused on major upcoming events, including the Nonsan World Strawberry Industry Expo and the Island Biennale, both scheduled for next year, alongside representative local festivals.
"This result is a valuable achievement made together by the province and its cities and counties, and it was again an occasion that confirmed the competitiveness of South Chungcheong tourism," a provincial official said. "We will continue to do our utmost to develop diverse promotional content and marketing to attract tourists, with a focus on the 'Visit South Chungcheong Year' and the 2027 provincial mega-events."
kwonhl@heraldcorp.com
