GyeongGi-Do ::

Tourism, Theme Parks and Digital Contents Industry

An Industry of Dreams and Laughter: Tourism, Theme Parks, and Digital Contents

As Korean TV dramas and films have grown in popularity in other Asian countries in recent years, various drama sets and filming locations have become some of the favorite destinations among foreign tourist. Some 70 million tourists are expected to visit Gyeonggi Province in 2010.

In the case of foreign investment of more than USD 20 million, industrial sectors will be designated as foreign investment zones, providing a wide range of incentives to investors, including exemption from national and local taxes, making Gyeonggi Province an even more attractive investment destination.

Gyeonggi Province is also emerging as an investment center for the digital contents industry, which is becoming a major industry of the future. Digital contents, a high value-added industry combining CT and IT, is expected to create considerable synergy effects in conjunction with Gyeonggi Province’s other industries including culture, tourism and leisure.

Cultural Contents of Gyeonggi

1. HALLYU-WOOD

Next-generation Entertainment Complex Named “Hallyu-wood”, after the Korean word HALLYU for “Korean wave” which has spread all over from China, Japan and Taiwan to Vietnam, The international tourism and culture cluster in Gyeonggi’s Goyang City is set to become a global center for Korean films, soap operas, and pop music. Fans from all over Asia will have a chance to walk in the footsteps of their favorite Korean stars at the 990,000 square-meter entertainment complex due to open in 2010.


2. HWASEONG FORTRESS

Designated as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site, Hwaseong Fortress is situated in the capital of Gyeonggi Province, Suwon City. The fortress, which was built in the 18th century as a symbol of a king’s love and respect for his father, has been restored to its original splendor.


3. BUCHEON FANTASTIC STUDIOS

Located in Gyeonggi Province’s Bucheon City, Bucheon Fantastic Studios is a movie and TV set location which is a favorite shooting location for films set in the past. The studios provide visitors with an authentic “Old Seoul” experience.


4. CERAMICS BELT

The three cities of Icheon, Gwangju, and Yeoju represent the best of traditional Korean ceramic craftsmanship. Visitors to the Ceramics Belt can experience the pottery production process and buy pottery directly. The World Ceramic Biennale is held in these three major ceramic cities.


5. EVERLAND

Everland, located in Gyeonggi Province’s Yougin City, is a massive theme park and a leader in leisure and recreation. Everland recorded a total of 8.3 million visitors in 2004.


6. KOREAN FOLK VILLAGE

The Korean Folk Village in Gyeonggi’s Youngin City provides visitors with the opportunity to experience the authentic atmosphere of Korea’s Joseon Dynasty. Faithful replications, restorations and re-enactments offer a glimpse of Korea from a bygone era. The Korean Folk Village recorded a total 1.5 million visitor in 2004.


7. SEOUL LAND

Korea’s first amusement park consisting of a series of theme parks, Seoul Land also offers a variety of events and exhibition. Number of visitors in 2004: 2,079,678


8. DAE JANG GEUM THEME PARK

Located within the Yangju Culture Valley where MBC’s historical dramas are filmed, it features the sets built for those dramas. This is where Dae Jang Geum (Jewel in the Place), a TV series about a royal chef in the 16th century, was shot.


9. HANYANGJU FILMING COMPLEX

As Korea’s Mecca of film production, the complex consists of film production facilities and outdoor sets including 4 film studio buildings, a recording/editing studio, a visual support room, a visual image room, a recording room and library.