A Study on the Job Environment of Korean Cultural Tourism Guides: Focusing on Cultural Tourism Guides in Hanyang Doseung

Cultural tourism guides play a significant role as a link between tourism sites and tourists, contributing to higher travel satisfaction by improving the overall quality of the travel experience. However, relatively little research has been conducted on the work environment of cultural tourism guides. Furthermore, since most previous studies are quantitative, qualitative research is needed to better understand their work environment. To suggest improvements, this study categorizes the work environment of cultural tourism guides into the following categories: (1) job description, (2) work environment, and (3) organizational characteristics. The subjects of the study described difficult situations that occur in the field and emphasized the need for smooth communication with city officials, an immersive environment for participating tourists, and the building of networks among cowokers. They perceive themselves as professionals, not volunteers, suggesting that it is necessary to develop means to establish and sustain their identity as professionals.