By Kim Rahn
The tour operator Hyundai Asan is also expecting to break even on its inter-Korean business for the first time.
The number of visitors to the scenic mountain in the North Korean territory this year was 294,986 as of Dec. 22, according to Hyundai on Monday.
As more than 6,000 people have made reservations for the tour program until Dec. 31, the total number of South Korean tourists to Mt. Kumgang in 2005 is expected to surpass 300,000.
The rise is quite significant, as the quota of daily visitors had been cut to 600 for about two months, about half of then-number of daily tourists, following disputes between Hyundai and the North regarding the dismissal of former Hyundai vice chairman Kim Yoon-kyu.
Since the tour program started in November 1998, the figure rose to 212,000 in 2000, but dropped to 58,800 in 2001 due to worsened inter-Korean relations.
The number started to skyrocket in September 2003 when the overland route was opened, and recorded 272,820 last year.
The year 2005 will be the first year for Hyundai Asan to balance its books for its inter-Korean business, with about 5 billion won of profit expected.
"The increasing number of visitors resulted from the expanded leisure facilities in the mountain resort, including Mt. Kumgang family beach hotel and `Ongnyugwan,’ a Korean-style cold noodle restaurant," Cho Woo-kyung, manager of Hyundai Asan, said.
A beach near the mountain also opened for 24 hours a day from this year, and the North’s customs, immigration and quarantine (CIQ) office was moved from Kosong port to the right above the military demarcation line, reducing the travel time.
"Currently, 1,200-1,500 people can visit the mountain per day, but the limit is due to the shortage of facilities including lodging. In summer and autumn, the demand exceeds the supply," Cho said.
He added Hyundai expects to invite 400,000 visitors next year, as it will complete renovation of another lodging "Kim Jong-suk center" and open a golf course around September.
The group also plans to develop more tour courses including the inner parts of Mt. Kumgang, and a tour program for Mt. Paektu and Kaesong along with the Korea Tourism Organization.
"The trip to Mt. Kumgang had great results this year despite many disturbing factors. People will be able to enjoy the trip more next year when it will be more convenient with improved resort and leisure facilities," Cho said.
(Korea Times, December 26, 2005)
