Culture ministry seeks Chungcheong cooperation on tourism and Universiade

The culture ministry said Wednesday that Minister Choi Hwi-young met North Chungcheong Province Governor Shin Yong-han to hear local concerns and seek regional support for attracting 30 million foreign visitors ahead of schedule.

Choi said tourism in the Chungcheong region centered on Cheongju International Airport would be important to reaching that target. He proposed that regional governments develop distinctive tourist content to encourage foreign visitors using local airports to stay longer in the region.

He also introduced the ministry's Our Neighborhood Project, which brings performances and exhibitions to regional communities, and requested North Chungcheong's active participation.

Choi also asked North Chungcheong to step up preparations for the 2027 Chungcheong Universiade, which four local governments will jointly host in August 2027. "Preparing programs that let people visiting North Chungcheong during the games enjoy culture and tourism is just as important as running the competitions," Choi said. "We will make it an event that combines sports, culture and tourism."

Shin sought ministry support for a sports-and-performance complex dome stadium and a tourism zone centered on Cheongju International Airport.

"Even if the central government sets the broad policy framework, cooperation with local governments is most important for it to work properly on the ground," Choi said. "We plan to follow up carefully on the issues discussed through working-level consultations."