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SEOUL, March 25 (AJP) - Over 2 million foreigners visited national parks in South Korea last year, with Mt. Hallasan on the southern resort island of Jeju attracting the most visitors, according to an analysis released by the Korea National Park Service (KNPS) on Wednesday.

Among them, an estimated 1.13 million were overseas tourists and 920,000 were foreign residents living in here.

The ballpark figures were based on mobile roaming data from foreign visitors, which the KNPS analyzed to track their itineraries in national parks across the country.

Mt. Hallasan drew the most foreign visitors with 270,000, followed by Dadohaehaesang National Park, a sprawling park along the southwestern coast with 140,000, and Taeanhaean National Park in South Chungcheong Province and Hallyeohaesang National Park in southern coastal areas with 130,000 each.

The NPS attributed the parks' popularity to their scenic beauty, with picturesque beaches and rock formations.

By nationality, Chinese visitors made up the largest group with 250,000 or 21.9 percent, followed by Taiwanese with 130,000, Filipinos with 90,000, Indonesians with 80,000 and Americans with 60,000.

To respond to a growing number of foreign visitors to national parks, the KNPA said it plans to provide more promotional videos, English-language programs, and other services tailored to foreigners, including rentals of backpacks, hiking shoes, and other safety gear.

"The influx of foreign visitors to national parks reflects that natural scenery is a key draw for travelers, which would also enhance South Korea's competitiveness in tourism," KNPS chairman Joo Dae-young said.
Kim Seong-seo 기자 biblekim@ajunews.com

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