Inje County, located in Gangwon Province, has invited prominent Bulgarian journalists to showcase its pristine nature and cultural tourism resources. The visit also included discussions on potential exchanges linking the autumn flower festival with Bulgarian rose culture.
According to Inje County, a two-day promotional tour for a delegation from the Bulgarian Journalists Association took place from September 15 to 16.
The delegation included five local media representatives from the Bulgarian Journalists Association, Bulgarian National Radio (BNR), Bulgarian National Television (BNT), and the regional newspaper 'Maritsa.'
This event was organized to allow the journalists to experience Inje's nature, culture, and local cuisine firsthand, fostering connections for future media coverage and cultural exchanges.
On the first day, the delegation visited a local food market and the Miracle Library. They then experienced Korean Buddhist culture at Baekdamsa Temple, where they engaged in a tea ceremony with monks.
During a welcome dinner, they sampled local dishes such as dried pollack and mountain vegetables. Inje County Deputy Mayor Yoon In-jae and the journalists discussed mutual promotional strategies linking Bulgaria's rose culture with Inje's autumn flower festival.
Kazanlak, a city in Bulgaria known for its rose production, hosts an annual rose festival. Both sides agreed to explore ways to introduce Bulgarian rose culture at Inje's autumn flower festival while promoting Inje's festival in Bulgaria.
However, no formal agreements or specific exchange schedules between the two cities have been finalized yet. Further discussions are needed to translate these talks into actual joint promotions or tourist exchanges.
The 2026 Inje Autumn Flower Festival is set to take place from September 24 to October 11, featuring gardens and exhibition programs utilizing autumn flowers such as chrysanthemums and asters.
On the second day, the delegation walked through the Wonjae-ri Birch Forest, experiencing Inje's forest tourism resources. They also enjoyed scenic views from the Bakdalgochi Observatory and participated in foot baths and flower tea experiences at Sunshine Village.
Participants expressed their admiration, stating, "I have fallen in love with Inje" and "It feels like I am in heaven."
This promotional tour aligns with Inje County's policy to expand tourism for foreign visitors. The county is implementing an incentive program that offers up to 20,000 won per person based on the length of stay for travel agencies and community businesses that attract five or more foreign tourists this year. This initiative aims to connect simple promotions with actual lodging and local spending.
Deputy Mayor Yoon In-jae remarked, "This was a meaningful opportunity to directly introduce Inje's nature, culture, and cuisine to European media. We will strive to ensure that exchanges with Bulgaria lead to enhanced overseas tourism promotion and revitalization of the local economy."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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