Value-Based Profiles of Visitors to a World Heritage Site: The Case of Suwon Hwaseong Fortress (in South Korea)

A study analyzing visitor profiles to Suwon Hwaseong Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in South Korea, reveals four distinct groups based on their evaluation of the site's value: Outing Seekers (OS), Tourism Seekers (TS), Heritage Seekers (HS), and Serious Travel Seekers (SS). These profiles differ significantly in terms of travel distance, recognition of the fortress as a World Heritage Site, and the influence of its status on their decision to visit. The research also highlights variations in visit satisfaction and intent to revisit among these groups. By employing latent profile analysis (LPA) on data from 656 visitors, the study provides insights into visitor behaviors that can inform sustainable heritage tourism strategies, balancing world heritage value with the site's inherent attractiveness.

Song, H., & Kim, H. (2018). Value-Based Profiles of Visitors to a World Heritage Site: The Case of Suwon Hwaseong Fortress (in South Korea). Sustainability, 11(1), 132. https://doi.org/10.3390/su11010132