[Edaily Reporter Oh Hee-na ] On the 7th, 70 foreign visitors from 23 countries participated in the regional tourism program “Joseon Social Club Ok-Bo-Yeong Edition,” held in the Okcheon, Boeun, and Yeongdong areas of North Chungcheong Province. The

” is a tourism program operated by “Korea Experience” (KX), an inbound tourism platform run by MICE specialist IzPMP, that combines traditional Korean culture with regional tourism.

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The program is characterized by its integration of local cultural heritage and venues with gastronomy, music, and interactions among participants. This Ok Bo-young Edition, supported by the Chungbuk Cultural Foundation, was structured so that participants enjoyed region-specific experiences in Boeun and Yeongdong during the day and gathered in Okcheon in the evening to enjoy food and performances together.
In Boeun, the itinerary included dining at a local restaurant, a traditional Korean confectionery-making workshop, and a tour of Beopjusa Temple and the Mount Songnisan area. In Yeongdong, participants enjoyed a winery tour, wine tasting, and a hike up Wolryubong Peak. In the evening, a gourmet gathering showcasing cuisine and wine from all three regions was held at the Okcheon Traditional Culture Experience Center. Participants sampled local dishes at booths set up in the courtyard of a hanok and watched performances by traditional Korean music ensembles and indie bands.
This program also focused on linking tourists’ visits to the region with local spending. Local restaurants and experience providers were included in the itinerary, and at the gourmet event, participants were encouraged to directly select and purchase food and products from local businesses. Another notable feature was the provision of traditional coin-shaped vouchers for use at booths throughout the venue.
Choi Hak-chan, CEO of IzPMP, stated, “We aim to create new tourism demand through programs that utilize local tourism resources and ensure that visitors’ spending benefits the local economy,” adding, “We plan to expand these region-specific programs nationwide.”