Yeongwol, located about 145 kilometers (90 miles) southwest of Seoul, has long been a key ecological area for indigenous animals and plants in Korea. It is also a mining town, mainly producing cement, coal, and tungsten.
Byeolmaro Observatory is Yeongwol's top tourist hotspot where visitors can observe stars in an environment with zero light pollution.
Daldal Yeongwol DMO, a local tourism body, said that it forged a partnership with Yeongwol FM, a local radio station, and Yeongwol Museum of Media and Journalism to boost tourism in the region.
Through the partnership, the three organizations will utilize media to vitalize the local tourism industry and incubate young artists based in Yeongwol. Also, locals will be given a variety of educational opportunities, contributing to the development of the region.
"We hope this partnership serves as an opportunity for Yeongwol to promote its tourism resources and arts, as well as for the growth of the local community," said Park Sang-heon, president of Daldal Yeongwol DMO.