- On Sept 5, Second Vice Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism visited the new hiking trail in Bugak Mountain, coinciding with the opening of the Blue House

- UM Hong Gil, Fabien YOON, and around 20 college students also participated

JANG Mi Ran, the Second Vice Minister of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (Minister PARK Bo Gyoon, MCST), visited the prominent historical and cultural tourist attraction, the new hiking trail on Bugak Mountain, a part of the “Blue House K-Tourism Landmark.” on September 5 (Tue). During the site visit, she emphasized the charm of the Blue House K-climbing region. This hiking course used to be a closely controlled area, as suggested by the name “Secret Presidential Trail,” but it became accessible to the public in May of the previous year when the Blue House was returned to the people.

Vice Minister JANG remarked, “Seoul is a city with a natural environment perfect for hiking at any time. I hope that many people will come and experience the unique essence of K-climbing, a one-of-a-kind adventure found only in Korea, right here on the Blue House regional tourist course.”

JANG explored the trail leading to Chilgung Shrine, Baegakjeong Pavilion, the Blue House Observatory, and Cheongundae. She was accompanied by around 20 individuals, including South Korea’s renowned mountaineer UM Hong Gil and Fabien YOON, a French-born broadcaster residing in Seochon, Seoul, as well as domestic and foreign exchange university students. The highlight of this course was the Blue House Observatory, where all the participants were treated to a breathtaking panoramic view of Seoul’s cityscape, stretching from the Blue House to Gyeongbokgung Palace, Gwanghwamun, and N Seoul Tower. They truly experienced the allure of the Blue House K-climbing course.

UM Hong Gil, who joined the inspection, said, “I hope that K-tourism, including tourism in the Blue House vicinity, can be revitalized by utilizing this unique urban hiking course the world offers.” Fabien YOON added, “Many Europeans seldom have the chance to enjoy hiking in the city. I hope K-climbing tourism, which combines hiking with Korean food and the allure of the Blue House region, gains more prominence.”

The MCST has outlined plans to introduce a variety of K-climbing courses in the Blue House region that will provide enjoyment to visitors starting next year. These courses will be designed to cater to different time frames and themes. Furthermore, the Ministry aims to discover K-climbing routes that can be integrated with major urban tourism destinations nationwide.