Yecheon-gun claims 10 spots in national tourism landmark project

Yecheon-gun in North Gyeongsang Province announced Wednesday that seven local tourist attractions had been selected across 10 themes in the "Korea Landmark Discovery 100×100 Project," jointly organized by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Tourism Organization.

The project identified 100 theme-based landmarks through a two-stage process: recommendations from 100 travel experts in the first round, followed by a public vote of more than 40,000 people in the second.

Hoerongpo earned the most selections among Yecheon sites, appearing in three themes — "special waterside scenery," "barefoot walking" and "bridge tour."

Yecheon Astronomical Space Center was named in two categories — "the world's most enjoyable research lab" and "stargazing destination" — while the Insect Research Institute Ecological Experience Center also appeared in the "world's most enjoyable research lab" theme.

Other selections included Baengnyeon-gage Yonggung Sundae in "hidden long-standing eatery," Seoksongnyeong in "old trees with stories," Yongmunsa Temple in "K-dancheong style" and Yonggung Station in "sentimental train station."

Yecheon-gun Mayor An Byeong-yun said it was meaningful to see familiar places recognized from a fresh perspective, adding that he would work to ensure growing attention to Yecheon translates into more tourist visits and longer stays that bring vitality to the region.