Tourism Development at Zhangjiajie, China: Korean Tourists and their Impacts

Korean tourists have become the dominant visitor group at Wulingyuan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in China, contributing to its rapid tourism growth. This shift was driven by market forces initially, but later sustained by government support, creating a model for inbound tourism that combines private demand with public sector intervention. The study, based on surveys of local practitioners, identifies the interplay between pull factors (market-driven attractions) and push/essential forces (government-led initiatives) as key drivers of this tourism boom. This dual mechanism offers insights not only for China but also for other regions seeking to balance market dynamics with strategic public support in tourism development.

Zhang, C.-z., & Wen, J. J. (2013). TOURISM DEVELOPMENT AT ZHANGJIAJIE, CHINA: KOREAN TOURISTS AND THEIR IMPACTS. Handbook of Tourism Economics, 725–740. https://doi.org/10.1142/9789814327084_0031