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| People take surfing lessons in Yangyang, Gangwon Province, in this undated photo. Courtesy of the Korea Tourism Organization |
By Lee Hae-rin
The Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) unveiled sports tourism programs in Gangwon Province for travelers who are seeking dynamic and active summer holidays, the organization said, Wednesday.
The organization presents "sportscation" ― a portmanteau of "sports" and "vacation" ― programs, which combine the region's clean, natural environment and sports infrastructure.
Gangwon Province is a mountainous region that shares the border with North Korea. It's well-known for its scenic beaches and coastlines across the East Sea. The region's sports infrastructure made it the host province of the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics.
Its scenery and sport-friendly characteristics make the region a perfect fit for a sportscations.
These programs feature summer sports activities in beautiful natural environments, combined with environmentally friendly initiatives.
The "Endless Summer" program offers surfing on Yangyang beach, also known as Korea's surf town, while encouraging its participants to volunteer for beach clean-ups, giving out rewards, and organizing promotional events.
The "Green scuba diving" program invites leisure sports beginners and first-timers to the beach in Gangneung and includes a marine biodiversity session from the Institute of Ocean Science Education at Gangneung-Wonju University.
Also, in collaboration with Son Football Academy, the organization developed a series of soccer training programs targeting young players and clubs from all over the world.
Son Football Academy is founded and run by famous footballer Son Heung-min's father, former footballer Son Woong-jung, and brother, Son Heung-yun. It is located in Chuncheon, which is the Tottenham Hotspur striker's birthplace.
Gangwon Province has several regional specialties in the sports sector, including winter and water sports, said Han Yeo-ok, head of the KTO's Gangwon branch, on the background of the project.
"KTO plans to develop more sports tourism programs based on the region's infrastructure and tourism assets to create new travel needs," Han said.
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