Travel
Fun in Korea: Gyeongnam expands marine leisure tourism ahead of summer travel season
Haps Magazine Korea
May 7, 2025
(Photo by Changwon City. Courtesy of Haps Magazine Korea.)
Gyeongnam province is accelerating efforts to boost marine leisure tourism along Korea’s southern coast in preparation for the summer vacation period.
The province is inspecting marina facilities, beaches, and leisure infrastructure to ensure safety while also supporting the creation of new tourism products to enhance the region’s brand as a premier destination for outdoor and marine activities.
With the transfer of marina business oversight from the central government to local authorities on May 1, Gyeongnam now has greater flexibility to manage vessel rentals, mooring services, and facility maintenance. The province operates 21 of the nation’s 71 marina facilities and has over 6,000 registered leisure vessels, the second-highest in Korea.
Gyeongnam is also working to strengthen its global tourism competitiveness by hosting major international yacht races.
The 2025 South Coast Cup International Yacht Race in June, co-hosted with Busan and Jeonnam, will feature a course connecting Tongyeong, Haeundae, and Yeosu.
In November, Tongyeong will again host the Admiral Yi Sun-sin Cup, followed by a stopover of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race in 2026.
Ahead of the beach season, safety checks are being carried out at 26 beaches across the province.
Changwon’s Gwangam Beach will open on July 1, with inspections on water quality, radiation, and facility readiness. Theme-based beaches will return, including Geoje’s dog-friendly beach and healing-themed shores in Namhae.
The province is also investing in island tourism. With 554 islands, Gyeongnam is working with coastal cities and counties to develop a comprehensive island tourism strategy, centered around projects like the Shinsudo Marine Family Park in Sacheon.
Marketing efforts aimed at attracting visitors from the Seoul metropolitan area will include pop-up events, social media campaigns, and digital signage.
In May, the province will support local tourism companies in developing new marine-based travel products, including gourmet and island-themed experiences, further boosting its appeal as a summer destination.