The Influence of Cultural Heritage Travel Experiences on Well-being: Mediating and Moderating Role of Daily Escapism and Awareness

Travelers' well-being is significantly enhanced through cultural heritage experiences, particularly when these experiences facilitate daily escapism. A study analyzing data from 509 travelers visiting sites like Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto in Gyeongju found that sensory, emotional, cognitive, behavioral, and relational aspects of travel—frame by Schmitt's (1999) Strategic Experiential Modules (SEMs)—positively impact well-being. Daily escapism acted as a mediator, strengthening the link between travel experiences and well-being, while mindfulness did not moderate this relationship. The findings suggest that designing travel programs to emphasize escapism could be an effective strategy for improving travelers' psychological benefits.

Gamanamu, G., Choi, J.-J.,. (2024). The Influence of Cultural Heritage Travel Experiences on Well-being: Mediating and Moderating Role of Daily Escapism and Awareness. Korea International Trade Research Institute, 20(3), 391–413. https://doi.org/10.16980/jitc.20.3.202406.391