The "2025 Cheonan K-Culture Expo" recorded 356,448 visitors and a direct economic impact of 8.51 billion won.
Cheonan City announced these findings from the expo evaluation report at the "Cheonan K-Culture Expo Evaluation Report and Awards Ceremony for Distinguished Contributors" held on July 11th in the city hall's main conference room.
According to the evaluation report, the "2025 Cheonan K-Culture Expo," held for five days from June 4th to 8th around the Independence Hall, attracted 356,448 visitors. This marks a 14% (43,559 people) increase compared to the previous year.
By age group, visitors in their 30s and 40s accounted for 55% of the total. The proportion of visitors from outside Cheonan was 44.1%, a 12.9 percentage point increase from last year's 31.2%.
The economic impact from Cheonan citizens was estimated at 3.38 billion won, while the economic impact from visitors outside Cheonan was 5.13 billion won. The average expenditure per visitor was 27,293 won.
A satisfaction survey conducted on 501 visitors during the festival period revealed that event and program satisfaction scored 4.11 out of 5 points (with 79.2% positive evaluations), socio-cultural influence scored 4.25 points, and major program satisfaction scored 4.14 points.
The satisfaction survey results indicated a significant improvement in Cheonan's image and interest, with future visitors considering Cheonan as a travel destination.
The consulting firm highlighted several achievements of the expo, including the diversification of K-content by integrating artificial intelligence (AI) technology, the expansion of exhibition halls with enhanced immersive experience elements, the arrangement of age-specific experience and performance content such as the Welcome, Kids, and Challenge Zones, and the historical significance of the Independence Hall as a venue.
Suggestions for the expo's future development included establishing its image by confirming the event period, optimizing spatial arrangements for improved visitor flow, focusing and concentrating exhibition content, expanding convenience and resting facilities, strengthening connections with the Independence Hall exhibition halls, and developing signature performances unique to the K-Culture Expo.
The report also included the presentation of commendations and plaques of appreciation to 107 individuals who contributed to the festival's success.
Kim Seok-pil, Acting Mayor of Cheonan and Vice Mayor, stated, "Based on these evaluation results, we will further strengthen the unique competitiveness of the Cheonan K-Culture Expo." He added, "We expect the K-Culture Expo to align with the current government's national agenda, which aims for South Korea to become one of the world's top five cultural powerhouses."
[Copyright (c) Global Economic Times. All Rights Reserved.]
