The Vysocina region in central Czechia is preparing to welcome an influx of South Korean tourists. The Czech Tourism Board has identified Vysocina as a key travel destination, particularly in light of the Dukovany nuclear power plant construction project involving Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power.
On October 27, the Czech Tourism Board held a "Visit Czechia 2026" roadshow at the Pullman Ambassador Hotel in Seoul.
Attendees included Ivan Janacek, the Czech Ambassador to South Korea; Milos Hruza, Deputy Governor of Vysocina; Petr Holi, Manager of the Vysocina Regional Development Office; and Michal Prochazka, Head of the Czech Tourism Board's Korean office, who emphasized the importance of tourism cooperation between the two countries.
The push for Vysocina in the South Korean market is largely driven by the Dukovany nuclear project. Ambassador Janacek stated, "We expect many South Koreans to visit Vysocina due to the Dukovany project. They will not only work here; Vysocina offers beautiful scenery, golf, and gourmet experiences."
Deputy Governor Hruza highlighted a 15-year long-term partnership with Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power, noting, "Many South Korean staff members have already been dispatched to the region. We are committed to creating infrastructure that allows them and their families to live comfortably, including schools, hospitals, and recreational facilities."
Vysocina's tourism appeal is significantly enhanced by its three UNESCO World Heritage sites, known as the "UNESCO Triangle." The historic town of Telc was designated a UNESCO site in 1992, the Pilgrimage Church of St. John of Nepomuk in Zelena Hora in 1994, and the Jewish Quarter and St. Procopius Basilica in Trebic in 2003. The Czech Tourism Board promotes these sites as a cultural tourism route that showcases Vysocina's history and heritage.
Telc is characterized by its pastel-toned Renaissance architecture and elegant castle, hosting various cultural events in its square.
The Pilgrimage Church of St. John of Nepomuk in Zelena Hora, designed by architect Santini, features a unique pentagonal star shape that combines Gothic and Baroque styles.
Trebic is home to a well-preserved Jewish Quarter and St. Procopius Basilica, located closest to the Dukovany nuclear plant.
Deputy Governor Hruza remarked, "Each of these cultural heritage sites has its own unique charm, with different architectural styles and histories. They are close enough that a one-night stay in Vysocina allows visitors to see them all in a day."
Accessibility is another strength of Vysocina. It is situated midway between Prague and Vienna. According to Hruza, using the D1 highway, travelers can reach the central city of Ihlava from Prague in just one hour. He added, "Vysocina's UNESCO sites are not far from Cesky Krumlov, which is well-known among South Korean travelers."
Increased flight availability is also a positive sign for attracting South Korean tourists. The Czech Tourism Board reports that South Korea is the second-largest market for visits to Czechia among long-haul destinations, following the United States.
Ambassador Janacek noted, "South Korea is a very important market for Czechia. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, nearly 400,000 South Koreans visited Czechia. Currently, that number has recovered to around 300,000. With direct flights increasing from seven to ten times a week starting next year, we expect to close the gap of 100,000 visitors."
This roadshow featured 12 local Czech tourism companies and will continue in Busan on October 29.
Prochazka, Head of the Czech Tourism Board's Korean office, stated, "Through this roadshow, we aim to strengthen partnerships with the South Korean travel industry and actively support the development of new tourism products that allow more South Korean travelers to discover various regions of Czechia beyond Prague."
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.