(Photo by Hapcheon-gun/Photo courtesy of Haps Magazine Korea)
Jeongyang Leisure Park, Hoeyang Tourist Site, and Jeongyang Swamp Ecological Park have been selected for the 2026 Accessible Tourism Initiative led by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Tourism Organization.
The national program supports improvements in accessibility, mobility, and safety at major tourism sites so that seniors, people with disabilities, and families with young children can travel without barriers.
Hapcheon’s selection marks the second consecutive year the county has been recognized, reinforcing its role as a rising model for barrier-free tourism.
Thirty destinations nationwide were chosen through a three-stage screening process, and Hapcheon was the only local government in Gyeongnam to secure three sites, bringing a total investment of 15 billion KRW (50% national funding, 10% provincial, 40% county).
From January to December 2026, the selected attractions will undergo specialized on-site consulting with accessibility experts and community members.
Planned improvements include barrier-free pathways, hands-on inclusive tourism programs, and enhanced visitor information for travelers with mobility needs.
Hapcheon now has six accessible tourism destinations, including the Daegayeon Temple Park (2018), Hapcheon Image Theme Park, and Hwangmaesan County Park (2025).
The county now holds the highest number of designated accessible tourism sites in Gyeongnam, positioning itself as a regional hub where everyone can enjoy local nature and culture without obstacles.