February 28, 2005-- The Andong International Mask Dance, Gangjin Ceramic, Geumsan Ginseng Festivals and 34 others held across Korea last year brought in economic benefits amounting to 800 billion won, according to a comprehensive assessment report on culture-tourism festivals published by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism on Feb. 17.

The report said the festivals attracted 22 million people, including 230,000 foreigners, with each visitor spending an average of 58,432 won.

The Mud Festival in Boryeong, South Chungcheong Province, and the Hyoseok Cultural Festival in Gangwon Province were the most popular destinations with 98 and 96 percents, respectively, coming from out of town.

Visitors cited the Andong International Mask Dance Festival and the Jagalchi Market Festival in Busan as the most satisfying, followed by the Gangjin Ceramic and Gimje Horizon Festivals. The Pine Mushroom Festival in Anyang, south of Seoul, ranked first in visitor spending at 124,134 won per person, while the Andong Mask Dance event ranked last at 28,263 won per person

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