“You can enjoy the true meaning of nature in the spring and autumn,” said Kim Jongdeok, minister of culture, sports and tourism, who paid a visit to Deokjeokdo Island in Incheon on May 7 for a two-day trip.

During his trip, the minister and members of his staff took part in an island tour organized by Incheon City and the Incheon Development & Tourism Corporation. Upon arrival, Kim rolled up his sleeves and got to work picking mountain herbs such as groundsel (gomchi), wild parsnips (bangpung namul) and goatsbeard (nungaeseungma). He also made some time to chat with people living on the island, hearing about the current tourism industry and noting things that needed improvement.

Kim said, “We have implemented a ‘tourism week’ in the spring and autumn to encourage travelers to enjoy the island during the off season. I hope that many more people are able to enjoy the less-crowded charm of this place during those seasons and contribute to the region’s economic development.”

Falling between May 1 and 14, the spring “tourism week” was designed to disperse the number of holiday travelers that are concentrated in the summer. During the spring tourism week, visitors can use some 31 camping sites in public parks at 50 percent of the price, said the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Ministry of Environment in a press release. There will also be a “Camping Week” from May 5 through 16.

By Jeon Han, Lee Seung-ah
Korea.net Staff Writers
Photos: Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism
hanjeon@korea.kr