Gunsan Launches ‘Seomtayo’ Tourist Taxi Connecting Old City Center and Gogunsan Archipelago, Starting September

Gunsan City in Jeollabuk-do Province is set to launch 'Seomtayo,' a new tourist taxi service connecting its historic Old City Center with the picturesque Gogunsan Archipelago, starting this September. Aiming to enhance tourist convenience and boost the local economy, the service will offer a special benefit: a 50% refund of the fare in local currency to its users.

'Seomtayo' Tourist Taxi Connects Gunsan's Major Attractions

The newly introduced 'Seomtayo' tourist taxi service is a tourism brand launched as part of the 'Gunsanhang 1981 Island Tourist Taxi Usage Support Project.' This Taxi departs from Gunsanhang 1981 and connects Gunsan's Old City Center with major islands of the Gogunsan Archipelago, including Seonyudo Island, Munyedo, Jangjado, Sinsido, and Yamido. Tourists can choose from one-way, half-day, or full-day courses to flexibly fit their travel itinerary and purpose.

'Gunsanhang 1981,' the base for the service, is a multi-cultural tourism complex created by remodeling the old Gunsan Port Passenger Terminal, originally built in 1981. Beyond providing tourism Information, it also hosts exhibitions, performances, and experiential programs. Initiated as part of the Korea Tourism Organization's '2025 Regionally-Led Tourism Service Competitiveness Enhancement Project,' it is establishing itself as a key hub for local tourism.

Incentives to Attract Tourists and Revitalize the Local Economy

Gunsan City offers an exceptional incentive: a 50% refund of the fare for 'Seomtayo' tourist taxi users, provided in Gunsan Sarang Gift Certificates. These local currency vouchers are issued to prevent capital outflow and support the stable operation of small businesses. They can be used at all affiliated stores within Gunsan City, excluding businesses with annual sales exceeding 3 billion won, thereby expected to boost local consumption.

The 'Seomtayo' service will be trialed from September to November 2026. As it may conclude early if the allocated budget is exhausted, interested tourists are encouraged to book promptly.

Gunsan Tourism: A Blend of History, Nature, and Expert Guidance

Utilizing 'Seomtayo' allows visitors to deeply explore Gunsan's diverse charms. Gunsan's Old City Center, known as 'Gunsan Time Travel Village,' preserves traces from the late Joseon Dynasty and the Japanese colonial period, offering a journey back in time through its modern architecture and historical sites. Seonyudo Island, the heart of the Gogunsan Archipelago, was a historically significant maritime stronghold, serving as a naval base during the Joseon Dynasty and a port of call for Goryeo-era trade routes. Visitors can enjoy various activities and scenic views, including ziplining (Seonyu Sky Sunline) and the Daejangbong Peak Observatory on Jangjado Island.

The Gunsan Culture and Tourism Foundation selected 10 Taxi drivers to participate in the 'Seomtayo' service and provided them with in-depth training on courteous service and key tourism resources in Gunsan's Old City Center and the Gogunsan Archipelago. These drivers will go beyond mere transportation, acting as 'tour guides' to offer visitors a richer and more satisfying travel experience in Gunsan.

Invigorating Local Tourism with New Transportation Experiences

The introduction of the 'Seomtayo' tourist taxi service will connect the historical value of Gunsan's Old City Center with the stunning natural landscapes of the Gogunsan Archipelago more conveniently, thereby improving accessibility for tourists. Furthermore, by expanding both tourist attraction and local consumption through the local currency refund system, this initiative is expected to play a crucial role in Gunsan's growth as an attractive tourist city where culture and nature harmoniously coexist.