The Korea Tourism Organization is commercializing traditional fireworks as a tourist attraction in collaboration with 32 Japanese travel agencies to explore new avenues for regional tourism. On October 16th, the Korea Tourism Organization, along with Haman County in Gyeongsangnam-do, hosted the ‘Haman Nakhuanoli Special Day’ near Mujinjeong, attracting around 1,000 Japanese tourists, as announced on the 17th.
The event aims to diversify tourism by promoting ‘Nakhuanoli,’ a traditional fireworks display, as a region-specific tourist content, thereby spreading international tourists into local areas. This event was organized through the ‘Limited Edition Nakhuanoli Experience Package,’ developed in collaboration with the Korea Tourism Organization’s Tokyo, Osaka, and Fukuoka offices and 32 Japanese travel agencies.
The Japanese tourists participated by visiting Haman, enjoying the Nakhuanoli fireworks and traditional Korean music performances, as well as engaging in activities such as experiencing Gaya Hanbok, writing wishes, and composing names in Hangul. The venue also featured a food area where visitors could enjoy traditional drinks and cuisine.
A Japanese tourist named Hamahira, who has visited Korea multiple times, remarked, “I have been to Seoul several times, but this is my first time in a local city,” adding that “Korea’s traditional fireworks have a mysterious and unique charm.”
According to the organization, 2.3 million Japanese tourists visited Korea up to August this year, reflecting a 15% increase compared to the same period last year. Kim Jong-hoon, director of the International Marketing Division of the Korea Tourism Organization, stated, “About 47% of Japanese tourists visit Korea more than four times, showing high loyalty,” and he emphasized the continued development of tourist content reflecting the unique colors of each region to spread the tourism pattern concentrated in the metropolitan area to other regions.