[Edaily Kang Gyeong-rok Travel Reporter] A hotelier who has worked in the hotel industry for over 50 years and a travel industry executive who attracted 400,000 foreign tourists to Korea received government medals for their contributions to the development of the tourism industry. A Buddhist monk who developed temple cuisine into a tourism attraction and a MICE expert who led the domestic exhibition industry’s expansion overseas were also among the recipients.

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, in collaboration with the Korea Tourism Association, held the “53rd Tourism Day Commemoration Ceremony” on the 30th of last month under the theme “Tourism Revitalizing Regions, Tourism Growing Korea” and presented government awards to 23 individuals recognized for their contributions to tourism promotion.
The Silver Tower Order of Industrial Service Merit was awarded to Kim Nam-cheol, Vice President and General Manager of Hilton Gyeongju at Wooyang Industrial Development. Vice President Kim has worked in the hotel industry for over 50 years, since 1975. He has managed protocol for major national events, including those of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC). He was recognized for his contributions to revitalizing the local economy and domestic tourism through his efforts to recruit and train hotel staff, including local talent.
Kim Ok-hee (dharma name Gyeho), Abbess of Jingwan Temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, received the Order of Civil Merit, Camellia Medal. As a master of temple cuisine, Venerable Gyeho contributed to the revitalization of culinary tourism by popularizing temple food. She was also recognized for her support of national events such as APEC and for promoting Korea’s traditional food culture overseas.
Kim Chun-chu, CEO of KIMS NMT, was awarded the Iron Tower Order of Industrial Merit. Since 1991, CEO Kim has operated a travel agency specializing in inbound tourism to Korea, attracting over 400,000 foreign tourists. He was honored for generating $100 million in foreign exchange earnings and developing a variety of tourism products for visitors to Korea.
The Stone Tower Order of Industrial Service Merit was awarded to Jeong Hyung-pil, Director General of KINTEX. Director General Jeong secured the operating rights for a large-scale overseas exhibition center—a first for a domestic convention center. Through long-term operating contracts, he established a stable foundation for foreign currency inflows and contributed to the overseas expansion of Korea’s exhibition and convention industry as well as job creation.
Including these recipients, a total of 23 people received government awards that day, comprising four Orders of Industrial Merit, two Medals of Industrial Merit, six Presidential Commendations, and 11 Prime Minister’s Commendations. The Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism awarded commendations to 80 individuals for their contributions to the development of the tourism industry. Five tourism businesses that contributed to foreign exchange earnings received the Tourism Promotion Tower and the Tourism Promotion Encouragement Tower.
Choi Hwi-young, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, stated, “I extend my deepest gratitude to the tourism professionals who have shaped the present of ‘K-Tourism,’” and pledged to continue investing in and supporting the tourism industry.