Cheongyang County pursues ‘stay-and-enjoy city’ vision through tourism, sports, and welfare integration

Cheongyang County in South Chungcheong Province is unveiling a comprehensive development strategy that integrates tourism, sports, and welfare to shape a new model for rural sustainability.

Designating 2025 as the “Year of Tourism Development,” the county aims to build a stay-type tourism infrastructure, strengthen community sports programs, and advance its welfare policies — all part of its vision to create a “livable and enjoyable Cheongyang.”

■ Chilgapsan Tourism Belt to become core tourism hub of Chungcheong region

With a total investment of 115.7 billion won, Cheongyang County is developing three major tourism clusters — Chilgap, Cheonjang, and Janggok — centered around Chilgapsan Mountain.

A centerpiece of this initiative is the Chilgap Lake Tourism Hub Project, designed to expand hands-on, experience-oriented tourism infrastructure. The large-scale complex will include a scenic observation tower, skywalk, water elevator, camping grounds, pedestrian bridge, and night view facilities.

Scheduled to open in November 2025, the Chilgap Tower will serve as a landmark offering panoramic views of the lake. The tower will house a media exhibition hall and a local specialty products gallery. Meanwhile, the 100-meter-long skywalk and water elevator will offer visitors a unique opportunity to enjoy the lake scenery from above and across the water.

Cheongyang also plans to introduce family-friendly attractions such as camping and glamping facilities and a traditional culture theme park. The county aims to attract 5 million annual visitors, revitalizing the local economy through sustained tourism growth.

■ Geumgang Riverside Park Golf Course expanded to 36 holes for national competitions

Sports infrastructure is also rapidly expanding. The Geumgang Riverside Park Golf Course has been upgraded from 18 to 36 holes, now meeting national tournament standards. Completed in late October following a two-month construction period, the venue combines open river views with convenient access, quickly gaining popularity among residents and enthusiasts.

The county plans to host large-scale national tournaments to promote sports tourism, expecting to draw more visitors, stimulate local spending, and increase temporary population inflow.

Moreover, with the Chungnam Provincial Park Golf Course (108 holes) set to open next year, Cheongyang plans to link nearby attractions such as Chilgapsan and Cheonjangho Lake to build itself into a “stay-type leisure city” where tourism and sports coexist.

“Cheongyang is transforming into a destination where visitors can stay, play, and improve their quality of life through sports,” said Mayor Kim Don-gon. “We are laying a strong foundation for both community health and economic vitality.”

■ ‘Cheongyang-type multi-care’: A new standard for rural welfare

Beyond tourism and sports, Cheongyang is pioneering innovative welfare solutions. The “Cheongyang-type Multi-Care” initiative integrates family, health, food, and community into a comprehensive care model that provides accessible services across healthcare, childcare, youth, and family welfare.

A flagship project, the Senior Welfare Housing Complex, combines residential, medical, and leisure facilities to help seniors age with dignity within their community. The county is also expanding regional welfare centers — including a Family Culture Center, Youth Healing Complex, and Jeongsan Multipurpose Welfare Hall — to deliver customized services for all generations.

“Cheongyang is turning the challenges of rural life into opportunities for community-based welfare innovation,” said Mayor Kim. “Through intergenerational solidarity and community rebuilding, we will make Cheongyang a place where everyone can live safely and with dignity.”