Korea Tourism Organization Embraces Tech to Revolutionize Tourism
In a bid to tackle persistent labor shortages, the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) is spearheading technology-driven solutions, offering a lifeline to tourism businesses still recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact.
“The focus this year has been on funding businesses to integrate food delivery robots, and the results are encouraging,” said Kwon Jong-sool, executive director of the KTO’s company support division.
One standout success is St. John’s Hotel, the largest pet-friendly hotel in Korea with 1,901 rooms, located in Gangneung, Gangwon Province. With the KTO’s backing, the hotel deployed two food delivery robots in July, which have already made a significant impact.
“We needed innovative ways to cope with our shrinking workforce after the pandemic,” said Kim Heon-seong, CEO of St. John’s Hotel. “The robots have been a game-changer. Not only have sales increased this year, but they’ve also added a unique charm that guests love.”
As a pet-friendly destination, the hotel attracts families, and Kim noted that the robots have been especially popular with children, creating a memorable experience for guests.
Similarly, Nimocamp, a campsite nestled in Gapyeong County, Gyeonggi Province, has seen a boost in visitors since introducing two delivery robots. Unlike St. John’s Hotel, Nimocamp’s appeal lies in its practicality.
“These robots deliver firewood, often heavier than what two people can easily carry,” said Jeon Eung-sik, president of Nimocamp. “They’ve been particularly popular with women visitors, making camping more accessible and enjoyable.”
The robots also deliver food orders to remote areas within the forest and patrol the grounds at night, enhancing both convenience and safety for campers.
But the KTO’s tech initiatives extend beyond robotics.
At Hwansang Forest on Jeju Island, known for its unique “gotjawal” volcanic forests and lush evergreen groves, the KTO has funded a multilingual QR code system for foreign visitors. The system provides real-time updates and event details in multiple languages, including English, leading to a significant uptick in international tourists this year.
Looking ahead, the KTO plans to dive deeper into cutting-edge technologies, with artificial intelligence on the horizon.
“We’re exploring ways to incorporate AI into tourism,” said Kwon. “We hope more companies will join this journey with us. Our doors are always open.”
By embracing innovation, the KTO is not only addressing labor challenges but also enhancing the tourism experience, ensuring Korea remains a leading destination in the global travel market.
