Local festival becomes a game: Treasure hunt meets local landmark tourism

Jinan County, South Korea, is set to transform its local festival into an engaging game with the upcoming 'Treasure Hunter in Jinan' event, scheduled for late August. Partnering with Korea Water Resources Corporation, the county aims to attract families and younger visitors by blending a large-scale treasure hunt with exploration of local attractions.

Instead of solely focusing on local specialties, the event centers on a quest to find 3,000 'dragon pearls' left behind by a mythical dragon. These pearls are hidden across Jinan's key landmarks, and participants who find them will be eligible for prizes. The top prize for discovering the legendary pearl is a substantial 50 million won, with approximately 8,000 other prizes, including local gift certificates and sponsored goods, also available.

To further captivate participants, especially children familiar with gaming, a detailed fantasy world narrative has been developed. Jinan's landmarks are reimagined as seven distinct kingdoms, each offering a unique adventure. From the 'Kingdom of Prophecy' where participants receive their first clue, to the 'Kingdom of Water' set against the backdrop of Yongdam Lake, and the 'Kingdom of Wind' offering panoramic views, the event promises an immersive experience.

The event also includes the 'Kingdom of Fire' for intense, time-limited challenges and the 'Kingdom of Gold,' where collected coins and stamps can be exchanged for benefits linked to local businesses. This gamified approach aims to make participants feel like protagonists in a fantasy world, providing a sense of achievement alongside exploration. Major game companies like Nexon and NCSoft are among the sponsors, contributing prizes that are expected to be revealed on the event's official website.