Recently, the development of night economy and night tourism has become a global issue. Various policies and strategies are being presented by countries to enhance their night economy and tourism sectors. Notably, strategies such as the 'Purple Flag S...
Recently, the development of night economy and night tourism has become a global issue. Various policies and strategies are being presented by countries to enhance their night economy and tourism sectors. Notably, strategies such as the 'Purple Flag Status' certification, which started in the UK and is popular across Europe, and China's 'Nighttime Cultural Tourism Consumption Districts' are key strategies that designate and develop specific areas. Although South Korea, as part of Asia, has not yet designated specific zones for night economy and tourism, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has shown significant interest by designating 'Night Tourism Specialized Cities' since 2020. Thus, focusing on activating specific zones to develop night economy and tourism is crucial, and understanding the core elements of such zone development is necessary. This study aims to identify the core elements for activating Nighttime Economy Tourism Area by focusing on four countries: the UK and Ireland, which have long developed Nighttime Economy Tourism Area, China, which has rapidly developed such zones, and South Korea, which places importance on night economy and tourism. The study seeks to conduct a comparative analysis from both Eastern
and Western perspectives.
The key findings of this study are as follows: Extending public transportation operating hours until 11 PM is the most critical element for activating Nighttime Economy Tourism Area, highlighting the importance of a smooth night public transport system. Introducing a specialized night manager system and forming a night economy management team, including stakeholders from transportation, tourism, police, and medical sectors, is vital. Factor analysis on the importance of core elements for activating Nighttime Economy Tourism Area identified five key factors: 'Establishment of night infrastructure and management systems', 'Introduction of night support systems', 'Operation of night-specific facilities and systems', 'Implementation of various night safety measures', and 'Activation of night consumption place programs'. For China, the introduction of a support system for 24-hour bookstores emerged as the most crucial core element. In the UK, the development of night economy management teams by public sector stakeholders was recognized as the most critical core element. In Ireland, there is a strong recognition that introducing a professional night manager system significantly aids in activating Nighttime Economy Tourism Area. In South Korea, providing basic amenities such as free access to public restrooms during night hours was identified as a key element. Analysis of differences in the importance of core elements for activating Nighttime Economy Tourism Area based on demographic characteristics revealed significant differences by gender and country.
Based on the study results, the following conclusions and implications for activating Nighttime Economy Tourism Area are drawn: It is necessary to establish a smooth night transport system, including extending the operating hours of public transportation around the zones until 11 PM. Introducing a specialized night manager system is crucial for activating Nighttime Economy Tourism Area. A comprehensive survey of the current status of 'establishment of night infrastructure and management systems', 'introduction of night support systems', 'operation of night-specific facilities and systems', 'implementation of various night safety measures', and 'activation of night consumption place programs' is essential to develop key strategies for each department. Local governments and businesses (such as private bookstores) should collaborate to cultivate attractive 24-hour bookstores, providing cultural spaces or programs that allow visitors to enjoy night activities. The Chinese government needs to explore strategies with public departments and local communities to develop safe and well-environmental Nighttime Economy Tourism Area. The effective operation and development of zones require the implementation of specialized night manager and organization systems. In South Korea, when designating or developing future Nighttime Economy Tourism Area, it is crucial for local governments to harmoniously combine hardware and software elements to activate night economy and tourism. Lastly, when establishing development policies for Nighttime Economy Tourism Area, it is necessary to prepare detailed plans that consider gender differences, actively reflecting the characteristics of both men and women.
This study is meaningful in that it identifies and clarifies core elements through overseas and Chinese case studies from a global perspective to foster future Nighttime Economy Tourism Area in Korea. It highlights the need for comparative studies between Eastern and Western countries through overseas examples in the context of Nighttime Economy Tourism Area.