Cheorwon County in Gangwon Province has received a ministerial award from the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy for transforming the previously restricted Soisan area into a peace and ecological tourism space. The county aims to promote stay-type tourism by enhancing connections with nearby attractions, encouraging visitors to spend locally.
According to Cheorwon County, the award was presented on October 21 at the '2026 Balanced Growth Project Exemplary Case Awards and Results Presentation' held at the Gwanseong Hall in Okcheon, North Chungcheong Province.
The recognized project, titled 'Riding the Monorail and Walking the Mine Flower Path for Peace and Prosperity,' involved converting an area long restricted due to military facilities and landmines into a historical and ecological experience tourism site.
The county has established a monorail and mine flower path connecting the Cheorwon Historical and Cultural Park to the summit of Soisan. Visitors can enjoy views of the Cheorwon Plain and the DMZ while exploring the region's history and natural environment.
Cheorwon County explained that it was commended for effectively leveraging the unique characteristics of the border area by linking attractions such as the Historical and Cultural Park and the Labor Party Office to enhance tourism competitiveness and invigorate the local economy. Lee Gi-won, the head of the Industrial Team in Dongsong-eup, who was in charge of the project, also received recognition from the Local Era Committee.
The county plans to focus on activating stay-type tourism through connections between attractions. The strategy includes combining visits to the Soisan monorail and observation deck with trips to the Historical and Cultural Park and the Labor Party Office to expand tourism content.
Additionally, a system is in place to link the use of tourism facilities to local spending. According to updated guidance from the Korea Tourism Organization in August, the adult fare for the Soisan monorail is 7,000 won, with 3,000 won returned as Cheorwon Love gift certificates.
Efforts to extend viewing hours into the evening have also been initiated. In September, the county launched 'Light Road Cheorwon,' promoting nighttime openings at major tourist sites such as the Labor Party Office and the Historical and Cultural Park. This initiative aims to enhance daytime tourism with additional nighttime attractions, thereby increasing visitor stay duration.
The operation connecting the monorail, surrounding historical and cultural facilities, and nighttime content is designed to provide tourists with more opportunities to spend time and money in the area. The county intends to continuously strengthen tourism content linked to nearby attractions to promote tourism that benefits the local economy.
Cheorwon County Mayor Kim Dong-il stated, “This award is the result of efforts by residents and stakeholders to turn the limitations of the border area into new tourism resources and opportunities for regional development. We will continue to systematically connect the historical and ecological resources of Cheorwon, including Soisan, to expand a sustainable peace tourism foundation.”
Meanwhile, the event, hosted by the Local Era Committee and organized by the Korea Institute of Industrial Technology Planning and Evaluation, recognized a total of 58 awardees, including 21 institutions and 37 individuals.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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