[Culture&] 'Yeongwol' Business District Revival! Following the success of the movie '왕과 사는 남자', 상동광산 reopens after 32 years with core mineral tungsten

The movie '왕과 사는 남자' has become a blockbuster hit, changing the economic landscape of 'Yeongwol'

The mega-hit of the movie '왕과 사는 남자' (hereafter referred to as KingAndTheMan) is driving an economic renaissance in Yeongwol, the main filming location. According to the latest data from the Small Enterprise and Market Service, the average daily sales in Yeongwol surged by a remarkable '35.7%' in the four weeks following its release on February 4. In particular, the core indicator of tourist inflow, 'hotel and dining sales', recorded an astonishing increase of '52.5%', proving the revival of the local economy. Subsequently, the arts, sports, and leisure services industry ('37.8%') and retail ('27.0%') also showed upward trends. Weekend sales skyrocketed by '68.5%', suggesting major attractions, including 'Cheongnyeongpo', have emerged as national tourist landmarks. This is being assessed as an exemplary model for regional economic revitalization, extending beyond mere cultural content success.

Reviving after 32 years, '상동광산' resumes operations securing a supply chain for advanced industry 'critical minerals'

Following the favorable conditions of tourism, a significant national announcement followed in the industry. The '상동광산', which disappeared from history in 1994, is resuming operations after a 32-year silence. '상동광산' is a global source of the essential strategic material 'tungsten' for the semiconductor and advanced industries. This reopening holds immense economic and security value as it aims to reconstruct a stable and independent supply chain for South Korea's 'critical minerals' rather than just reviving a closed mine. The overwhelming success of cultural content and the reconstruction of the country's core industrial infrastructure are perfectly intertwined, positioning Yeongwol as a key city that is dynamically leapfrogging in South Korea.