The "Korea Tourism Academy," a program to train tourism professionals from across the country, is expected to operate in Jeju.
Culture, Sports and Tourism Minister Choi Hwi-young announced the plan at a Jeju town hall meeting chaired by President Lee Jae-myung on Friday. "On the foundation Jeju already has, we will ensure that the future of Korean tourism is realized in Jeju first through three pillars: K-culture, technology and people, and Jeju residents," Choi said. "In particular, Jeju must become the cradle for nurturing tourism professionals nationwide."
"We will implement proven cutting-edge tourism technologies developed by private companies, universities, research institutions and others on the jewel that is Jeju, fostering the island as a global hub for tourism technology," the minister said. "To open a true era of regional tourism in every corner of Korea, each region needs tourism talent. We will operate the 'Korea Tourism Academy' in partnership with universities nationwide and Jeju-based universities, offering training and hands-on programs available only in Jeju."
"I imagine the highest-caliber professionals trained in Jeju spreading across the country and transforming the quality of our tourism," Choi added.
He also pledged the following initiatives:
▲ A second Jeju International Convention Center with a 5,000-seat capacity
▲ Equipping the 30,000-seat Seogwipo World Cup Stadium with sound and lighting systems for use as a large-scale concert venue
▲ Supporting diverse K-culture experience programs including K-dance
▲ The Jeju Content Enterprise Support Center, scheduled to open next year
▲ Supporting "tourism income villages" that promote village-based travel
▲ Improving the Incheon Airport transit system for Jeju-bound passengers
▲ Expanding cruise ship operations
Comparing Jeju to Hawaii, Minister Choi noted that while Hawaii is nine times larger in area and has twice the population, Jeju attracts 1.4 times more visitors — 13.86 million compared to Hawaii's 9.64 million — expressing confidence in Jeju's tourism competitiveness.
Choi's spouse is originally from Jeju. He drew enthusiastic applause from the audience by calling himself a "yukji-sawi," meaning a son-in-law from the mainland.