'Visit Gwangju &
Jeollanam-do Year'

Gwangju, Jeollanam-do join forces in promoting their tourism industries

   
Gwangju Metropolitan City and Jeollanam -do have declared 2008 as "Visit Gwangju and Jeollanam-do Year"to attract more tourists from Korea and abroad. The Gwangju Metropolitan City and Jeollanam-do provincial governments jointly held a ceremony to declare "Visit Gwangju and Jeollanam-do Year"and opened a publication fair for a three-day run at Coex Pacific-Indian Hall on Jan.11.
Each local government is selected on a rotational basis by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism since 2002 as part of efforts to invigorate the tourism industry of the region. For 2008, Gwangju City and Jeollanam-do jointly sponsored the project to increase synergistic effects.
Officials on hand at the events included Gwangju Mayor Park Gwang-tae; Jeollanam-do Gov. Park Joon-young; Minister of Culture and Tourism Kim Jong-min; Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon; Chonnam National University President Kang Chung-chae; Rep. Lee Jong-koo; Rep. Lee Young-ho; Rep. Chae Il-byung and Rep. Kim Sung-gon.
Gwangju Mayor Park said in a speech, "Gwangju Metropolitan City and Jeollanam-do make a concerted effort to show guests Jeollanam-do's scenic attractions and fascinating cultural events while the Gwangju area, the birthplace of the May 18 Democratic Movement, will serve as a space of education for visitors to experience the heritage of peace and history."Mayor Park added that such region-specific festivals as the Gwangju Biennale, Kimchi Festival and Gwangju Jeong Yul Seong International Music Festival will highlight "Visit Gwangju and Jeollanam-do Year."In a video message, President-elect Lee Myung-bak said tourism in the 21st century is a value-added industry, and Gwangju, boasting of taste and beauty, and Jeollanam-do with islets, pristine seas and breathtaking attractions, will fascinate tourists. nw

(from top photo) A green tea field in Boseong,; Hoesan White Lotus Pond in Muan,; and the snow-capped view of Mt, Jiri in Gurae.