Culture Ministry to boost infrastructure in five tourist zones, including Itaewon, Busan

Five government-designated tourist zones including Itaewon, parts of Busan and northern Gyeonggi are set for an extra boost in infrastructure and travel content, according to the Culture Ministry's press release on Thursday.

Streets of Itaewon in Yongsan District, central Seoul, at night. [NEWS1]

Five government-designated tourist zones including Itaewon, and parts of Busan and northern Gyeonggi are set for an extra boost in infrastructure and travel content, according to the Culture Ministry's press release on Thursday.

The recent move is part of the ministry's tourism business to revitalize tourist hot spots across the country. The government currently recognizes 33 special tourist zones in Korea, excluding Jeju Island. Up to 200 million won worth ($145,000) of government funds are annually allocated to each zone.

This year, Noksapyeong Square at Itaewon in Yongsan District, central Seoul, will be getting benches and streetlights, taking into consideration the vibrant nightlife in the area, according to the ministry.

The Yongdusan and Jagalchi areas in Busan's Jung District will hold a slew of cultural events including a DJ festival and a cooking competition under the government's bid to refashion the first wharf area of Busan Harbor into a "cultural exchange platform."

Visitors to this year's Goyang International Flower Festival, one of the largest flower festivals in Korea, take pictures. This year, the event was held from April 26 to May 12. [NEWS1]

Goyang in Gyeonggi, home to one of the largest flower festivals in Korea, will be further build on its image by holding a Christmas festival with flowers and K-pop. The ministry will also fund extra benches, speakers and lights.

Dongducheon, also in Gyeonggi, will attract visitors through its graffiti art by the Bosan subway station facade.

Bugok in South Gyeongsang will strengthen tourism around its hot springs by holding live performances during foot baths at the Bugok Onchon (hot springs).

"The ministry will closely cooperate with local agencies and the private sector to ensure the special tourism zones can draw visitors to regional areas and revitalize the local economy," Park Jong-taek, the Director-General for the Tourism Policy Bureau, said through the press release.

BY LEE JIAN [lee.jian@joongang.co.kr]