Gyeonggi Tourism Organization's Press Tour: Exploring Northwest Gyeonggi and Spreading Local Stories

The KkiTour Press Tour: A New Wave in Gyeonggi Tourism

Did you know that the Gyeonggi Tourism Organization is actively engaging with influencers and content creators to promote regional travel? On June 24, 2025, the 14th KkiTour Press Tour took place, bringing together 12 selected travel writers to explore the hidden gems of Gimpo and Paju. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to revitalize the Northwest Gyeonggi City Tour, a product that had just resumed sales in May after a hiatus. The press tour wasn't just about sightseeing—it was about creating authentic, first-hand content that would later be spread across blogs, social media, and the official Gyeonggi Tourism Platform. Participants visited iconic spots like Museum HeY in Paju, Jangdan Soybean Wellbeing Maru, Aegibong Peace Ecological Park, and Gimpo Art Village, capturing their experiences in real time.

Why the Northwest Gyeonggi City Tour Matters

Many international visitors are familiar with Seoul, but the surrounding Gyeonggi Province offers a wealth of unique attractions. The Northwest Gyeonggi City Tour is a curated bus trip that simplifies travel for both locals and foreigners, providing easy access to cultural, historical, and ecological destinations. The 2025 edition, also known as the EG Tour, features six themed routes, each designed to showcase a different aspect of the province—from the DMZ in Paju to food experiences in Gimpo. This approach not only supports local economies but also helps diversify Korea's tourism image, moving beyond the usual hotspots to reveal authentic regional stories.

Content Creation: From Field Experience to Social Media Buzz

What sets the KkiTour Press Tour apart is its focus on content creation. Each participating reporter is tasked with producing in-depth travelogues, photo essays, and social media posts based on their experiences. These stories are then published on personal blogs, the Gyeonggi Tourism Platform, and various SNS channels. The goal? To amplify the visibility of the Northwest Gyeonggi City Tour and inspire a new wave of travelers—both domestic and international—to explore these lesser-known destinations. According to recent blog posts and community reactions, readers appreciate the honest, first-hand perspectives, which often highlight practical travel tips, hidden photo spots, and local food recommendations.

Community Reactions: What Are Koreans Saying?

On major Korean online communities like TheQoo, Nate Pann, Instiz, Naver, Daum, DC Inside, FM Korea, and PGR21, the response to the press tour has been mixed but largely positive. Supporters praise the initiative for spotlighting overlooked areas and providing fresh travel ideas, especially for families and young adventurers. Comments like 'Finally, some attention to the northwest!' and 'I never knew Gimpo had such cool places' are common. However, some users express skepticism about whether these tours will truly attract foreign tourists, suggesting that more English-language resources and accessible transportation are still needed. Overall, the consensus is that these influencer-driven tours are a step in the right direction for regional tourism.

Cultural Insights: Why Local Press Tours Are a Big Deal in Korea

In South Korea, press tours and influencer fam tours (familiarization tours) play a crucial role in tourism marketing. Unlike traditional advertising, these tours rely on the credibility and storytelling skills of selected writers and influencers, who are seen as trusted sources by their audiences. For foreign fans, it's important to understand that these tours often set travel trends and can quickly turn a hidden spot into the next big destination. The KkiTour initiative reflects a broader shift in Korean tourism, where local governments actively partner with content creators to shape the narrative and reach global audiences.

What’s Next: Summer Travel and Real-Time Engagement

To keep the momentum going, the Gyeonggi Tourism Organization is leveraging live broadcasts and interactive content. On the same day as the press tour, they hosted a 30-minute Instagram Live session introducing top summer destinations, festivals, and valleys in Gyeonggi. This real-time approach allows potential visitors to ask questions, get travel tips, and feel connected to the region before even setting foot there. With the summer vacation season approaching, expect to see more dynamic content, including short-form videos and collaborative campaigns with both Korean and international influencers. If you’re planning a trip to Korea, keep an eye out for these authentic, up-to-date travel stories—they might just inspire your next adventure!