Yangyang’s 790,000 August Savings
- Establishment of ₩110,000 Per Person Card, Economic Contribution
- Yangyang County, Gangwon Province, a designated population reduction area, has seen approximately 790,000 visitors.
- Data from the Ministry of Public Administration and Security and the National Statistical Office indicate these trends.
Vacation as ‘Surf Holy Land’ – Tourists Gather
Table of Contents
2030 Generations Comprise 32%… Average Stay is 2.4 Days
Establishment of ₩110,000 Per Person Card, Economic Contribution

Yangyang County, Gangwon Province, a designated population reduction area, has seen approximately 790,000 visitors. The area, now considered a leading surfing destination in South Korea, has become a popular summer tourist spot, with its resident population swelling to 28 times its registered population.
Data from the Ministry of Public Administration and Security and the National Statistical Office indicate these trends. The “living population” metric, introduced in the Special Act on Support for Population Reduction (effective January 2023), aims to address population decline. This metric calculates the number of individuals who stay in a region for at least three hours a day, more than once a month, for purposes such as commuting, business, or tourism. It supplements the “registered population,” which includes resident registration and registered foreign residents.
The living population data is compiled using resident registration and foreign registration data from the Ministry of Public Administration and Justice, along with data from telecommunications companies (SK telecom, KT, LG Uplus), card companies (Shinhan, BC, Samsung, Hana Card), and the Korea Credit Bureau (KCB).
Calculations reveal that Yangyang’s living population in August of last year reached approximately 820,000, a stark contrast to its registered population of 28,000. this surge is attributed to yangyang’s growing reputation as a surfing destination and a popular spot for the Millennial and Gen Z generations. In August, individuals in their 20s and 30s accounted for 31.6% of Yangyang’s population,with an average stay of 2.4 days.
Other regions experiencing similar trends include Goseong County, Gangwon Province, where individuals under 30 accounted for 29.2% of short-term stays, and Miryang, South Gyeongsang Province, with 22%. one in three short-term accommodations in population reduction areas (32.8%) were occupied by individuals under 30. The total living population in these areas reached 2.872 million in August, the highest figure for the third quarter.
The average spending per person by the residence population was ₩119,000 in July, ₩111,000 in August, and ₩107,000 in September. According to an official, credit card usage during vacations may appear lower due to advance reservations and spending related to summer vacation plans.
Yangyang, South Korea: Your Ultimate Surfing Destination Guide
Surfing in Yangyang: What’s the Hype?
Yangyang County, located in gangwon province, South Korea, has transformed into a leading surfing destination, drawing in a notable number of tourists, especially during the summer months. This shift has led to remarkable growth, boosting its reputation and local economy.
What Makes Yangyang a Popular Surfing Spot?
Yangyang’s popularity stems from several key factors:
Surfing Culture: Yangyang has emerged as a hub for surf culture,providing a vibrant atmosphere for enthusiasts of all skill levels.
Beautiful Scenery: The area boasts stunning coastal scenery, attracting both surfers and general tourists.
Beaches and Waves: Jukdo Beach, in particular, is known for its shallow waters and wave conditions, making it ideal for surf beginners.
Who Visits Yangyang?
Yangyang attracts a diverse crowd, with a significant demographic of younger visitors. According to recent data:
Millennials and Gen Z: Individuals in their 20s and 30s make up a considerable portion of Yangyang’s population, contributing to its lively atmosphere.
Short-Term Stays: Many visitors stay for a short period, with an average stay of around 2.4 days, making it a perfect vacation spot.
How Does Yangyang’s Tourism Impact the local Economy?
The influx of tourists has a noticeable effect on the local economic landscape.
Increased Spending: The average spending per person in Yangyang by the residence population was approximately ₩119,000 in July, ₩111,000 in August, and ₩107,000 in September.
* Economic Contribution: With a focus on activities such as surfing, Yangyang has created significant economic benefit for the area.
What is the “Living Population” Metric?
The “living population” metric, utilized to measure the impact of tourism, calculates the number of individuals who stay in a region for at least three hours a day, more than once a month. This metric is crucial for assessing the real impact of tourism and other short-term population changes.
How Does Yangyang Compare to Other Regions?
Yangyang is not alone in experiencing a tourism-driven population boom. Here’s a comparison:
| Region | Percentage of Under 30’s in Short-Term Stays |
| ——————– | ——————————————- |
| Yangyang, Gangwon | 31.6% |
| Goseong, Gangwon | 29.2% |
| Miryang, South Gyeongsang | 22% |
