CRI

 [ABSTRACT]

The designated tourism site system, introduced in 1963 to enhance public leisure and tourism development, has faced criticism for its reduced

effectiveness, with many sites remaining underdeveloped or struggling to sustain vitality post-designation. In Chungbuk, 22 sites, leveraging rich 

natural and cultural resources, have seen declining attractiveness due to inadequate development strategies, financial constraints, and failure to 

adapt to evolving tourism demands. 

This study analyzes these challenges and proposes practical policy alternatives. Through literature reviews, field surveys, and stakeholder 

interviews, it found that despite attracting over 2.7 million annual visitors and generating socioeconomic benefits, Chungbuk’s sites suffer from low 

investment efficiency, outdated facilities and content, low land acquisition rates, and limited private-sector involvement. 

Administrative challenges, such as lack of expertise due to frequent staff rotations, further hinder continuity and innovation. To address these issues, 

the study proposes four directions: strengthening legal criteria and performance evaluation systems; promoting tourism content diversification 

through integrated development, eco-friendly smart transformation, and regional linkages; restructuring investment toward regeneration and 

performance-based subsidies with enhanced private incentives; and improving governance by establishing a policy support center and specialized 

personnel systems. These findings offer actionable policy recommendations for sustainable and competitive tourism development in Chungbuk.