Tourism takes a hit in Gangneung after wildfire

Businesses in Gangneung, Gangwon are suffering from the aftermath of last Tuesday's massive wildfire. Parts near Gyeongpo Beach, a major tourist spot, were damaged in the fire. Forests and beach facilities such as the deck, bathrooms ...

A wildfire that broke out in Gangneung, Gangwon burned parts of the forests and structures near Gyeongpo Beach. [KIM JONG_HO]

Businesses in Gangneung, Gangwon are suffering from the aftermath of Tuesday's massive wildfire.

“Some 600 people were supposed to come by the end of the month, but they've all canceled their reservations,” a 61-year-old restaurant owner in Gangneung said.

“It looks like they are afraid to tour a place where a fire broke out.”

Parts near Gyeongpo Beach, a major tourist spot, were damaged in the fire. Forests and beach facilities such as the deck, bathrooms and photo zones were all burned.

The accommodation business has also been heavily affected by the fire.

At least 71 accommodations burned to the ground and 15 were partially damaged. People working in surviving accommodations say inspections on these facilities are needed as smoke keeps coming in through the windows.

After the fire, reservation rates for hotels in the area plunged 20 percent compared to normal.

“Many tourists came to Gangneung even in April and May during the off-season,” the restaurant owner added.

“I hope people visit Gangneung for the sake of helping those who have been affected by the disaster.”

With dwindling tourism expected, the city of Gangneung is set to push promotional campaigns to recruit tourists.

The city promoted a tour campaign at the Korea Travel Expo 2023 at the Dongdaemun Design Plaza in central Seoul, held through Sunday.

The city of Gangneung was able to recruit tourists after a similar campaign following a 2019 wildfire in the city's Okgye area.

“Consumption by tourists accounts for a large portion of the region’s economy,” a Gangneung city official said.

“We plan to restore the areas damaged by the fire as soon as possible to minimize inconveniences for incoming tourists.”

Gangneung also plans to host festivals such as the Gyeongpo Beach Beer Festival to recruit tourists.

The provincial government of Gangwon asked the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Tourism Organization to help host events in Gangneung.

“Touring and visiting the area will be the best way to volunteer and help out Gangneung,” an official from the provincial government said.

“We will prepare well to help recover from the damage and greet tourists.”

The wildfire that broke out in Nangok-dong in Gangneung on Tuesday morning burned some 379 hectares (937 acres) of land in about eight hours, an area the size of 541 soccer fields.

One man in his 80s died from the fire and some 300 residents and 700 tourists evacuated from the area.

President Yoon Suk Yeol declared the city a special disaster zone the following day.

BY CHOI JONG-KWON, CHO JUNG-WOO [cho.jungwoo1@joongang.co.kr]