*Editor’s note: The number of global Hallyu (Korean Wave) fans is approaching approximately 225 million, according to the 2024 report by the Korea Foundation. The surge in fans marks the dawn of the "Digital Silk Road" era, where communication transcends the limitations of time and space, enabling real-time interaction across the globe. Truly, we are in the era of "Hallyu 4.0."

 

Suk Soo-sun's Design Management Story: Essential Elements for Becoming a Leading Tourism Nation

Contributed by Suk Soo-sun (professor at Yonsei Graduate School of Communication & Arts)

 

 

Providing tourist information services for foreign visitors requires careful attention to numerous factors. From the initial planning stage, services must be designed entirely from the perspective of the user rather than the provider.

 

Whether it is an app service or an informational webpage for a specific tourist destination, the fundamental aspects that must be considered are UX (User Experience) and UI (User Interface). UX refers to the overall experience a user has when interacting with a product or service, while UI encompasses the visual components such as screens, buttons, and icons that facilitate user interaction.

 

A UX/UI strategy that is familiar and accessible to tourists is crucial in meeting their expectations and needs. Several factors must be taken into account to optimize user experience and effectively showcase the appeal of Korea.

 

▲ Second Vice Minister of Culture, Sports, and Tourism Jang Mi-ran poses for a commemorative photo with foreign tourists at the Korea Grand Sale Welcome Center in front of the Myeongdong Arts Theater, National Theater Company of Korea, in Jung-gu, Seoul, on January 15, 2025. (Yonhap)

 

Multilingual support is essential. Websites and mobile apps should automatically adjust to the user's device language and offer screen layouts that accommodate multiple languages. To enhance translation quality, professional translators should review content to ensure accuracy while also reflecting cultural nuances. These measures help foreign tourists better understand and interact with the provided information.

 

Intuitive navigation is also necessary. A user-friendly main menu and sub-menu structure should enable easy access to information. The top navigation bar should be designed in a simple and clear manner so that key categories such as tourist attractions, dining, shopping, and transportation are easy to locate. A robust search function should be incorporated to allow users to quickly find the information they need.

 

 

A design centered around visuals is another important aspect. High-resolution images and videos should be utilized to visually highlight the charm of Korea’s tourist sites and cuisine. Features such as "like" and "share" buttons should be included to encourage user engagement and experience-sharing. Additionally, infographics should be employed to simplify complex information, improving readability and the effectiveness of information delivery.

 

Providing useful information is equally important. A section for frequently asked questions and answers should be established to integrate essential details about travel routes and cultural etiquette for foreign visitors. Furthermore, information on regional characteristics and cultural activities should be included to help tourists gain a deeper understanding of Korean culture.

 

▲ As the number of foreign tourists visiting Korea recovers to 96 percent of pre-COVID-19 levels in 2019, visitors take a commemorative photo at Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul on July 29, 2024. (Yonhap)

 

A one-stop platform should be established through an integrated reservation system, allowing users to book various travel products in a single place. By enabling users to input their travel schedules and receive optimized routes with recommended itineraries, the overall user experience can be significantly enhanced.

 

User reviews and ratings are also crucial for building trust. The system should allow users to easily leave reviews, including star ratings and comments, to share their experiences. Adding a photo attachment feature would further help users visually convey their real-life experiences. Encouraging user participation in this way is essential, while prompt responses to negative reviews will help maintain credibility.

 

Mobile optimization is key to improving the convenience of foreign tourists. Websites and apps should be designed with a responsive layout, ensuring seamless use across different devices. UI elements should be appropriately sized for easy touch interaction, and performance should be improved using image optimization and caching functions for faster loading speeds.

 

Additionally, QR codes and NFC technology can enhance accessibility to information. QR codes should be placed at tourist attractions and restaurants, allowing users to scan them easily and obtain additional details. NFC technology can also be leveraged to provide information more conveniently.

 

Finally, a personalized recommendation system should be implemented to deliver tailored information based on individual preferences. By analyzing user behavior patterns, customized recommendations can create a more immersive travel experience. Regular technological updates and collaboration with regional tourism offices, local governments, and academic institutions are necessary to address key challenges in this area.

 

These strategies will help foreign tourists explore and enjoy Korea more easily. Personalized recommendations based on user behavior patterns will offer a deeper and more engaging travel experience.

 

▲ Itaewon Station Tourist Information Center. (Yonhap)

 

Ultimately, the increasing diversity of foreign tourists visiting Korea is a positive sign of change. With continued efforts to offer diverse cultural content and a safe travel environment, the country is expected to attract even more international visitors in the future.

 

As the influence of K-culture continues to grow, Korea’s tourism industry is poised for further expansion. Hopefully, this progress will provide visitors with new and memorable experiences. By taking these steps, Korea can solidify its position as a leading global tourism destination.

[ⓒ K-VIBE. 무단전재-재배포 금지]