On June 15 (Sat), JANG Mi Ran, the Second Vice Minister of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST) took a special walking tour of the Sarangchae, newly renovated under the concept of a “Travel Library,” to promote tourism in the Cheongwadae area in celebration of the “2024 Cheongwadae Sarangchae Welcome Week.”

The MCST, in collaboration with the Korea Tourism Organization (Acting President SEO Young Chung, KTO) will hold the “2024 Cheongwadae Sarangchae Welcome Week (Welcome Week)” from June 14 to 30 to revitalize tourism and commerce in the Cheongwadae area following the reopening of the Cheongwadae Sarangchae on June 14. Visitors can enjoy a variety of engaging activities, including unique travel programs, flea markets featuring local businesses, interactive exhibitions, and special discount vouchers for nearby shops.

A walking tour with the theme of “History,” with travel writers and about 20 local and international tourists

Special travel programs under five themes: history, food, music, art, and photo

Under the theme of “History,” Second Vice Minister JANG Mi Ran started a walking tour from Yeongchumun Gate in Gyeongbokgung Palace, Gallery Alley in Changseong-dong, Baeksong in Tongui-dong, Yi Sang’s House in Tongin-dong, Yi Sang-beom’s House, Park No-soo Museum, Yun Dong-ju’s Boarding House, and Inwangsan Mountain Suseong-dong Valley. The walking tour was accompanied by SEOL Jae Woo, a travel writer and the CEO of Small Days who has extensive experience in the Cheongwadae area, and about 20 domestic and international tourists. Second Vice Minister JANG was engaged with the participants, exploring the historical backgrounds of the sites to be visited and sharing the unique charm of the Cheongwadae area. Additionally, the Welcome Week will showcase five distinct travel programs, each focusing on history, food, music, art, and photo. These programs are recommended by five seasoned travel experts with extensive experience in the Cheongwadae area and unique insights into the region’s attractions. Visitors can also participate in a special travel program consisting of five sessions to be led by these experts.

Feature events to rejuvenate local commerce, interactive travel exhibits at Sarangchae and more

Events were hosted to revitalize local commercial districts. A “Welcome Coupon Book” event was held together with 30 local brand shops in the Cheongwadae area, including Seochon, Bukchon, and Insa-dong. The coupon book offers discounts at partner brand shops and daily classes. Additionally, on June 15 and 16, a flea market featuring local small businesses was held in the front yard of Cheongwadae Sarangchae.

Inside Sarangchae, visitors can enjoy the "Travel Planning Table" exhibition, where they can gather information about the Cheongwadae area, explore their own travel preferences, and share travel tips with others. Visitors who share their visit to Sarangchae and other exhibitions on social media will receive a souvenir welcome kit. This includes a travel map of the Cheongwadae area, personalized travel destinations (mission sheet) based on individual preferences, and a Sarangchae passport notebook. For detailed information on the Welcome Week program, please visit the official Cheongwadae Sarangchae website at cwdsarangchae.kr.

The MCST will continue to develop initiatives aimed at enhancing tourism in the Cheongwadae area and promoting it as an appealing tourist destination for both domestic and international travelers.

Second Vice Minister JANG stated, “The Cheongwadae area offers a rich diversity of experiences where visitors can immerse themselves in K-Culture and nature amidst the city center, including palaces, modern architecture, traditional culture, and art spaces.” “We hope that during this Welcome Week, more Koreans and foreigners will visit the Cheongwadae area and enjoy the unique charm of Korea, where the harmonious coexistence of past and present is showcased.”