강화갯벌을 활용한 생태관광 방향성 고찰

A Study on the Direction of Ecotourism utilizing Gangwha Tidal Flat

The purpose of this study is to discuss the utilization of the tidal flats in Ganghwa Island and the need for various contents for ecotourism. Ecotourism can be defined as the promotion of local tourism through the preservation of the natural ecological environment of rural areas and revisiting. Ecotourism focuses on the suppression of environmental destruction, environmental protection, and the mutual exchange between urban and rural residents through tourists' rural experience activities. The utilization of tidal flats goes beyond simple wildlife observation and has the potential for tourism, leisure, and recreational resource development. The direction of tourism development in Ganghwa Island’s tidal flats should be based on the protection of the tidal flat ecosystem. Therefore, rather than direct experiences, tourists in the tidal flats should focus on indirect observation, tidal flat ecosystem-related play, education, events, and storytelling content, and provide various information on Ganghwa Island culture, tradition, and history to induce interest in tourists and stimulate revisiting. In order to attract tourists, the Ganghwa Tidal Flat Center should be converted into a complex cultural facility for various contents, programs, tourist food, and ecological conservation education. In order to effectively utilize the Ganghwa Island’s tidal flats, the identity, color, and content planning of the surrounding islands are required. Basically, the islands offer unique cultures that cannot be experienced in general resort areas. In conclusion, Ganghwa-gun needs to actively develop the special value of the surrounding islands and plan attractive tourism products that can simultaneously provide tourist attractions and resort functions while satisfying the tourism needs of tourists.