Event reflects growing demand for extended stays in Gangwon Province

Resort partners with local startups to expand family-oriented activities

Children complete missions with a native English-speaking instructor [Hanwha Resort]
Children complete missions with a native English-speaking instructor [Hanwha Resort]

A major resort and local startups in Gangwon Province are rolling out family-focused tourism products to meet growing demand for extended stays in the region.

Hanwha Resort Seorak Sorano announced Tuesday it has prepared programs combining Gangwon's signature crop — potatoes — with English-language missions for children, catering to guests who want to linger and explore.

The free English program for families with children runs for six sessions, with enrollment capped at 16 children per session since a native-speaking instructor accompanies the group without parents present. Participants carry an exploration kit and basket as they complete a series of missions — finishing an English spell and searching for clues. Children who complete all missions receive candy, stamps and badges as prizes. Participants are welcome to bring and wear their own costumes.

The "Potato Festival" is a family event centered on roasting potatoes over a bonfire and enjoying various activities. Each guest receives one colorful potato free of charge. While the potatoes cook, activities include watching a video, mashing potatoes and stacking colorful potatoes without limit. A "potato currency" — valuing each potato at 1,000 won — can be used throughout the event period. Vendors on site sell potato-based food, merchandise and beer, and the festival experience itself is free to attend.

An autumn view of Hanwha Resort Seorak Sorano [Hanwha Resort]
An autumn view of Hanwha Resort Seorak Sorano [Hanwha Resort]

The events reflect shifts in travel behavior documented in the 2025 National Travel Survey released by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Culture and Tourism Institute. According to the survey, trips of one night or more accounted for 41.3 percent of all travel — up 1.3 percentage points from the previous year — while the number of travel days in Gangwon Province rose 10.6 percent over the same period.

The Gangwon Creative Economy Innovation Center is hosting the events to promote local entrepreneurship and tourism. Two startups — Namuda Planet Co. and Potato Island — are taking part. The Potato Festival runs through Saturday, and visitors can join on the spot without prior registration. The English mission program runs through Sunday, with walk-in sign-ups accepted on site. Further details are available on the Hanwha Resort website.

A Hanwha Hotels & Resorts official said the company had built on last year's collaboration with the Gangwon Creative Economy Innovation Center — which produced AI-based scent creation, media art and sleep packages — by adding hands-on experiences for families. "We plan to continue expanding diverse customer-participation content through partnerships with local startups," the official added.


terry@heraldcorp.com