온천 활성화 방안에 대한 지역이해관계자 인식

Community Stakeholders’ Perceptions to Vitalizing Hot Springs A Qualitative Study based on a Focus Group Interview(FGI)

This study analyzed hot springs as a wellness tourism resource in Uljin, Korea along the East Coast and suggested ways of vitalizing or linking the hot springs with community-based resources from the perspectives of main community stakeholders. A total of five stakeholders (two practitioners associated with hot springs, one governmental officer, and two representatives of a social enterprise) throughout the region participated in the FGI (Focus Group Interview). Contents were analyzed based on interview questions developed by three academic professionals. Results of the content analyzed showed key words and narrations related to three key issues associated with the present status of hot springs in Uljin. These issues included, relationships of various stakeholders among hot springs, communities, and local governments. It was also found that several differences existed between the stakeholders regarding their perceptions towards the three key issues. Implications of the findings and future research were discussed based on the development of sustainable tourism using hot springs in Uljin.