Yanolja Research

 Korea’s tourism sector holds immense potential—but many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) face significant hurdles in embracing digital transformation. As global travel becomes increasingly tech-driven, empowering local tourism businesses through digital tools is no longer optional—it's essential. Here’s a quick look at the key insights driving this shift, and how a smarter, more connected tourism ecosystem can fuel sustainable growth. 📉 The Challenge: Tourism SMEs Falling Behind Despite Korea’s global economic status, its tourism industry lags behind: GDP Contribution : Only 2.8% , compared to the global average of 10.3% . Low productivity and digital maturity among SMEs—88% have fewer than 10 employees, and 92% make under 500 million KRW annually. Limited digital presence : Many SMEs still rely on basic websites, with little integration into online sales, marketing, or reservation systems. 💡 Core Strengths of Local Tourism SMEs With the right digital suppo...

  What will make South Korea a must-visit destination for global travelers? The answer lies in digital innovation . By embracing new technologies and smart strategies, Korea can dramatically boost inbound tourism—driving growth for the national economy and revitalizing local communities. Here are the key highlights  ✅ Why Is Inbound Tourism So Important? Attracting international tourists directly helps improve the service trade balance and revitalize local economies. Japan nearly doubled its number of inbound visitors in just five years—and became a tourism powerhouse. What made the difference? They treated tourism as a core industry and pushed forward with digital-driven strategies . 📲 Four Key Strategies for Digital Innovation in Tourism Establishing Inbound Tourism Channel Improving Tourism Service Infrastructure Strengthening the Digital Capabilities of Tourism Operators Establishing Data-Information System ❓ Curious about this? What are the biggest pain point...

Can Tourism Save Korea’s Regions? South Korea is facing more than just a declining birthrate. With shrinking communities and an aging population, some regions are at risk of disappearing altogether. One powerful solution is gaining attention: revitalizing inbound tourism to boost regional economies and counter demographic decline . Here are the key highlights: 🚨 Population Decline: A National Emergency Fertility rate at a record low : Korea's birthrate has fallen to 0.7 , with projections pointing even lower. Vanishing workforce : University admissions could drop by half within 15 years , significantly shrinking the labor pool. Stagnant growth ahead : Economic growth could fall to 0% or lower by the 2050s , with the population expected to drop below 40 million by 2070 . 🧭 A New Approach: Growing the "Economic Population" Instead of only focusing on increasing the birthrate, there's growing emphasis on expanding the consumption base —and tourism offers a ...