Gyeongju Expo Grand Park sees visitor numbers, revenue surge on APEC boost

The North Gyeongsang Province Cultural Tourism Corporation said Monday that the tourism momentum Gyeongju gained from last year's APEC summit has carried into this year, driving simultaneous growth in both visitor numbers and admission revenue at Gyeongju Expo Grand Park.

From January through July, the park drew about 214,000 visitors, a 13 percent increase from roughly 188,000 during the same period last year. Admission revenue climbed even more sharply, rising 34 percent year-on-year to 1.44 billion won ($1.07 million), up from 1.07 billion won.

The corporation attributed the gains to sustained domestic and international interest in Gyeongju following the successful APEC summit last year, combined with newly introduced family-oriented experience programs that have been drawing visitors to the park.

The growth in foreign visitor numbers has been particularly striking.

Foreign visitors to the park totaled 4,096 from January through July, up about 55 percent from the same period last year. Gyeongju's rising profile as an international tourism destination since the APEC summit has consistently brought more overseas tourists to the city.

The park's own programming has also contributed to the upward trend.

A family cultural event held in May to mark Children's Month — combining books, performances and hands-on activities — drew about 10,000 visitors over three days and was met with a strong response.

Then in August, the park's summer horror attraction "EX-HORROR" drew 24,857 visitors looking for a unique way to spend hot summer nights.

Gyeongju Expo Grand Park plans to sustain the momentum through the second half of the year with a packed lineup of events.

Starting late this month, the park will launch a nighttime autumn program called "EX-Pumpkin Night," followed in October by the North Gyeongsang Province Arirang Festival, a performance by the National Jeongdong Theater titled "Gwangdae," and the Silk Road Noodle Festival, among other cultural and tourism events.

"The tourism competitiveness that Gyeongju built through last year's APEC summit is now translating into real visitor demand and revenue this year," said Kim Nam-il, president of the corporation. "We will do our best to offer a diverse range of attractions in the second half — from nighttime programs to performances and festivals — so that Gyeongju Expo Grand Park can establish itself as a must-visit destination in all four seasons."