A 'sentimental service' that emotionally connects tourists with Gyeongju.

Gyeongju, South Korea — The Gyeongbuk Cultural Tourism Organization (GBCTO) has announced that a total of 6,814 postcards were sent through its 'Slow Postbox' service in the first half of 2025. This total includes 6,596 postcards sent domestically and 218 sent internationally.

The Slow Postbox is a unique service located within the Bomun Tourist Complex. It allows visitors to write postcards during their trip, which are then mailed to the recipients at a later date. The postcards are sent out twice a year, at the end of June and the end of December, to destinations all over the world. This service is a popular way for visitors to reflect on their travel memories and share their feelings with loved ones.

The postcards sent in the first half of the year featured beautiful scenes from Gyeongbuk, including the Euneo Bridge in Uljin, Bangokji Pond in Gyeongsan, and Seonbichon Village in Yeongju. They also showcased famous landmarks within the Bomun Tourist Complex, which is gaining attention as a host city for the 2025 APEC Summit. Each postcard's design changes with the season, allowing the recipient to fully experience the atmosphere of the season in which the card was written.

The Slow Postbox has been in operation at the Bomun Lakeside Plaza for 11 years, starting in 2015. Over the years, it has become more than just a simple postal service; it is now a significant cultural attraction. The postcards contain a wide range of messages, from heartfelt notes to family, friends, and partners, to words of encouragement and self-affirmation. These small messages have brought comfort and joy to countless people's lives.

Kim Nam-il, president of the GBCTO, said, "The 6,814 postcards are not just pieces of mail. They are small but profound messages that carry a person's time and emotions." He added, "I hope these postcards will bring comfort and happiness to someone's daily life." He also noted the special significance of the messages sent this year, which coincides with the 50th anniversary of the Bomun Tourist Complex. "The countless stories shared through these postcards have added meaning to this special time," he said.

The postcards were sent to various regions across the globe, including Asia, North America, Europe, Oceania, and Africa. The most common international destination was Taiwan, followed by the United States, Canada, and France.

The GBCTO plans to continue its efforts to develop more of these "sentimental contents" to emotionally connect tourists with the local region.