“Creating a Happy Country Through Tourism”
Greetings to all! I am Jang-sil Kim, the 26th CEO of the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO).
Since its establishment in 1962, to the attraction of a record 17.5 million foreign tourists in 2019, the KTO has steadfastly endeavored to contribute to the country’s economic development and raise the quality of life of the Korean people through tourism.

Today, the tourism industry is undergoing an unprecedented crisis due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the tourism industry is currently at an inflection point as we enter a great transitional period in the history of civilization due to groundbreaking technological development. While monitoring such changes, the KTO will help the tourism industry recover from this crisis and lead its revitalization. The KTO will develop tourism contents to solve population decline in provinces; lead digital transformation in the tourism ecosystem and its innovation-centered growth; strengthen the global competitiveness of tourism for the revival of the inbound tourism market in Korea, and expand barrier-free tourism environment and “tourism welfare” with the aim of “making people happy through traveling, and promoting Korea through tourism.” While fulling challenges and achieving our goals, the KTO will lead changes through breakthrough innovation in various sectors. At the same time, the Organization will faithfully implement national tasks through harmony and communication with the people, the tourism industry, and related stakeholders.
Tourism is a future industry that can create quality jobs and increase national wealth. As a public organization, the KTO will strive to make Korea a tourism powerhouse by further developing the country’s tourism industry.
Thank you.
Tourism is a future industry that can create quality jobs and increase national wealth. As a public organization, the KTO will strive to make Korea a tourism powerhouse by further developing the country’s tourism industry.
Thank you.
Jang-sil Kim, President & CEO of KTO
