A Study on the Economic Ripple Effects of the Uiryeonggil Trail in Bukhansan National Park

This study aimed to present an effective persuasion message by evaluating the economic ripple effect of the Uiryeonggil Trail in Bukhansan National Park. From July to August 2023, 398 visitors to Uiryeonggil were surveyed for travel costs, and the eco - nomic ripple effect on the local community was analyzed using a regional input-output table. As a result of the analysis, the average travel cost spent by a visitor to Uiryeonggil during the day was 18,276 won. By region, 12,401 won were spent in Seoul, 2,761 won in Yangju, and 3,114 won in other regions. As of 2022, the annual production ripple effect in the Seoul area was about 1.87 billion won, the value-added ripple effect was about 660 million won, and the employment ripple effect was about 25 people. The annual production ripple effect in Yangju-si was about 420 million won, the value-added ripple effect was about 120 million won, and the employment ripple effect was four people. It was found that production, value-added, and employment ripple effects were not sig- nificant, supporting the argument that regular opening is necessary to revitalize the local economy. Therefore, the Korea National Park Service should avoid a policy of expanding supply focused on quantitative growth and actively promote the fact that the continuous ecosystem services provided by National Parks are greater than the economic benefits of development. We hope that the results of this study will provide effective persuasive messages.