Gyeongju selected for government's 2026 global tourism zone development project

Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province, has secured 3 billion won ($2.08 million) in national funding after being selected for the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism's 2026 Global Tourism Zone Development Project, the city announced Monday.

Under the selection, Gyeongju will invest a total of 6 billion won — split evenly between national and local government funds — through next year to develop a global tourism zone.

The city drew up its development plan on the strength of its rich historical and cultural heritage and its experience hosting the APEC Leaders' Summit.

The proposal centers on "One More Night, Gyeongju" as its core brand, with a strategy focused on expanding overnight and extended-stay tourism content.

Key initiatives include global branding and overseas promotion, the introduction of a sustainable tourism certification system, an AI-based tourism data platform, expanded nighttime tourism and Silla cultural experience content, a simplified payment system and integrated tour pass for foreign visitors, AI concierge kiosks, foreign-visitor taxi services, and improvements to the city's circular transit network.

Through the project, Gyeongju aims to improve the visitor experience for international tourists, extend average stays and boost tourism spending by expanding nighttime attractions and hands-on cultural content.

"We will build on our UNESCO World Heritage sites and Silla culture to enrich our extended-stay tourism offerings and strengthen our hospitality infrastructure, creating a city that draws visitors from around the world and keeps them coming back," Mayor Ju Nak-young said.