The Jeju Special Self-Governing Province held a pop-up event, “Promise with Jeju,” at The Hyundai Seoul in Yeouido on April 28 to promote sustainable travel culture through the harmonious coexistence of clean environment and tourism.

'Promise with Jeju' is a win-win project that encourages residents, tourists, and businesses to practice the three core values of conservation, coexistence, and respect to create sustainable tourism in Jeju.

The event is the opening event for the 13-day 'Gifts of Jeju' festival, which runs from February 28 to March 12, and provides visitors with a unique opportunity to interact with Jeju's nature.

In particular, the pre-subscription event for the (tentative) digital tourist card, which opens the era of smart tourism, attracted great attention at the event.

The Digital Tourist Card is a new tourism service platform that Jeju Island will implement later this year. It will provide various benefits to tourists visiting Jeju, including customized memberships and discounts at tourist attractions.

Singer and actress Kwon Yuri (Girls' Generation) was the first celebrity to apply for the digital tourist card. She emphasized the importance of sustainable travel to Jeju based on her own experience and encouraged people to join the 'Promise with Jeju'.

Visitors who pre-applied for the digital tourist card were asked to make a pledge to create sustainable tourism in Jeju and received a coveted Jeju Promise coupon.

The venue consisted of four special spaces that reflected Jeju's values. Visitors experienced the charm of Jeju with all five senses at the 'Hello JEJU' zone, where they could experience the promise of Jeju; 'Play JEJU' zone, where they could experience Jeju's forest paths; 'Tasty JEJU' zone, where they could meet specialty products; and 'Gift JEJU' zone, where they could apply for digital tourism certificates.

Through digital interactive events, visitors had the unique experience of discovering their own type of Jeju travel based on the three core values of conservation, coexistence, and respect.

Whether they were nature-loving travelers, culture-respecting explorers, or companions who practice coexistence, they were able to identify their own travel philosophy and reflect on the meaning of sustainable travel to Jeju.

Various programs such as the Jeju Forest Road Photo Zone, tasting and purchasing local specialties, and exhibiting the winners of the tourism souvenir contest also attracted visitors. In a space where Jeju's special sensibility is alive and well, visitors had a meaningful time to embrace the beauty of Jeju and pledge to preserve it.

In particular, the participation of the MZ generation, who love Jeju, stood out at the event.

Mr. Yoon Seok-gwang (Bucheon-si, Gyeonggi-do), 20, said, “The specialties I tasted at the traditional market in Jeju, where the spirit of Jeju is alive, are the most memorable.” He added, “I would like to visit the hidden spots of Jeju Island and share its unique charm with many people.”

Kim Yoon-ji, 20, from Namyangju, Gyeonggi-do, said, “I loved the various experiences that can only be found on Jeju, such as climbing Hallasan Mountain and horseback riding.” “I would like to participate in protecting Jeju's nature by picking up trash on the beach so that the island can become cleaner,” she added.

Jeju Governor Oh Young-hoon said, “Each step you take will be a precious seed to nurture Jeju's future values.” “By practicing travel that respects nature and culture, we look forward to creating the sustainable Jeju we all promised,” he said.

“We have collaborated with a department store in Seoul that attracts young people to Jeju to attract tourists, which is expected to have a synergistic effect as the number of MZ generation visits to Jeju has recently increased,” Oh said, adding, ”We will bring the spring spirit of Jeju to Seoul and use it to revitalize tourism to Jeju.”

Starting with this event, Jeju Island plans to expand the 'Promise with Jeju' campaign both domestically and internationally, setting a new standard for sustainable tourism. Through this, Jeju will secure its differentiated tourism competitiveness and leap forward as a global tourism city that harmonizes environmental conservation and tourism.

[News Source: Jeju Island]