Korea business lobby, National Assembly to tackle tourism regulations

The Korea Federation of Enterprises and the National Assembly Tourism Industry Forum will jointly host a seminar on tourism law and policy reform at the National Assembly Library on Sept. 22 at 10 a.m., the federation announced Monday.

The seminar aims to chart a future vision for the tourism industry — widely regarded as a key engine of regional economic growth — and to explore ways to invigorate local tourism ecosystems by leveraging Korea's homegrown K-content.

The federation has previously pushed for policy changes in this area: last year, it submitted 33 policy proposals to the government calling for a broader definition of the tourism industry, expanded transportation networks to regional tourist destinations, and deregulation of home-sharing services.

Representatives from the National Assembly, the government, local governments and the private sector will gather to examine regulatory hurdles on the ground and discuss legislative amendments and policy support measures related to tourism.

In the main presentations, Shin Hak-seung, a professor at Hanyang University, will speak on strategies for revitalizing regional tourism in Korea based on Japan's experience. Chae Ji-young, a senior research fellow at the Korea Culture and Tourism Institute, will then present on "K-Culture and the Regional Economy: Strategies and Challenges," outlining ways to link the regional tourism industry with K-culture.

The panel discussion will be moderated by Lee Hoon, a professor at Hanyang University. Participants will include Yoon Hong-min, an official from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism's international tourism policy division; Choi Dong-seok, head of the tourism industry division at the South Chungcheong Culture and Tourism Foundation; Kwon Du-hyeon, a board member of the Yeongju Culture and Tourism Foundation; and Lee Jae-su, head of the federation's livelihood economy team. The panel will discuss policy support and regulatory reform needed to promote regional K-culture content.

The opening ceremony will feature remarks from Democratic Party of Korea lawmaker Min Byeong-deok, People Power Party lawmaker Kim Seok-gi, Korea Federation of Enterprises Vice Chairman Kim Chang-beom, and Lee Hoon, dean of Hanyang University's College of Social Sciences. Kang Jeong-won, a senior official at the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, will deliver a congratulatory address.