The Gangwon Tourism Organization (CEO Choi Sung-hyun, hereinafter referred to as the "Organization") announced that the "2026 Region-Led Tourism Service Competitiveness Enhancement Project" by the Korea Tourism Organization, carried out in collaboration with tourism community businesses in Taebaek City, is progressing smoothly.

This public contest project is designed for local communities to independently identify and improve issues within their tourism services. Selected last April, the Organization has been promoting "local-linked walking tours" in Taebaek. The core objective is for community-based businesses to directly plan and operate travel packages, establishing a structure where tourist spending flows directly into local businesses.

At the center of this initiative is "Rooted Taebaek," a brand created by community businesses that has been conducting trial operations across various courses in Taebaek since September. By offering activities such as sound-walking—listening to the sounds of the forest—and village tours tracing the history of coal mining, they have refined the courses and operational methods based on participant feedback. On October 17–18, they introduced "Ridge Note, Taebaek," a 1D2N walking tour that involves walking and recording the stories of Taebaek.

Travel packages refined through these test runs can now be booked by anyone via the Naver Smart Store "The Rooted." Day-trip walking tours and multi-day 1D2N stay programs are being registered sequentially. Travelers can choose between walking with a guide or exploring alone along recommended paths.

Reservation: The Rooted Taebaek (smartstore.naver.com/todaybomnoun)
The Organization is also enhancing the service capabilities of the community businesses. A regional tourism consultative body consisting of 18 members, including local business operators, has been formed to provide customized hospitality training by field and product commercialization consulting for each business. Additionally, a digital guidance system mapping the locations and information of around 20 local establishments is being established.

Choi Sung-hyun, CEO of the Gangwon Tourism Organization, stated, "The competitive edge of Taebaek lies in travel created and operated directly by its residents," adding, "We will stand by them until the end so that community businesses can take center stage as the protagonists of Taebaek’s tourism."

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