On September 13, the Gangwon Tourism Organization successfully hosted the special eco-friendly tourism event titled "Clean Gangwon, Drawing the Future Ocean" at Jukdo Beach in Yangyang-gun. Bringing together approximately 140 participants, including tourists and local activists, the program combined traditional sightseeing with hands-on environmental conservation efforts. Yangyang, widely recognized as South Korea's premier surfing paradise, provided an ideal backdrop for blending leisure travel with corporate and social responsibility (ESG) practices.

The initiative aimed to redefine modern travel by integrating environmental protection directly into the visitor experience. Participants kicked off the day by exploring famous local landmarks such as Jukdo Beach, Naksansa Temple, and Huhyuam Hermitage. However, the core of the itinerary focused heavily on environmental stewardship. Attendees actively participated in a beach cleanup campaign along Jukdo Beach, collecting marine debris and waste to restore the pristine beauty of the coastline.

A standout feature of the event was the innovative upcycling workshop utilizing discarded surfboards. Once used to ride the dynamic waves of the East Sea, broken or retired surfboards were transformed into canvases. Participants painted landscapes inspired by Gangwon’s natural scenery directly onto the old boards, giving discarded materials a meaningful second life. These completed art pieces were then exhibited on-site, providing future travelers with unique visual storytelling and an appreciation for sustainable resource management.

In addition to the art and cleanup activities, the program encouraged everyday eco-friendly habits. Participants used personal tumblers to minimize single-use plastics and learned practical ways to maintain clean travel spaces. These small yet impactful actions underscored the event's philosophy that sustainable tourism begins with individual choices. By engaging tourists directly in conservation, the program successfully fostered a deeper emotional connection to Yangyang's natural environment.

Choi Sung-hyun, CEO of the Gangwon Tourism Organization, emphasized the significance of the event, stating that it was designed to let visitors experience the region's natural beauty while actively participating in environmental preservation. The organization plans to continue developing sustainable tourism content that highlights Gangwon's exceptional natural assets. Through such initiatives, Gangwon aims to inspire travelers to discover the true value of local ecosystems, ensuring that the region remains a cherished and pristine destination for generations to come.

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