On November 12, 3,040 people used immersive digital technology to participate in the Real Treasure Festival, the world’s largest treasure hunt festival, held by Gyeonggi Province at the former Gyeonggi Provincial Government Complex (located in Paldal-gu, Suwon City) and around Mt. Paldalsan.

The festival was designed to revitalize the area near the former Gyeonggi Provincial Government Complex, which had been in decline, by using immersive digital technology and smartphones to find treasures in a format similar to childhood picnic treasure hunts. A note with a “treasure” was placed as a virtual treasure using near field communication (NFC) technology, and the treasure was awarded via a smartphone gift voucher.

Organized to set a new record, the event drew 3,040 participants, surpassing the previous Guinness World Record of 2,732 people set in Ottawa, Canada, in 2017. Two pre-appointed witnesses were on hand for Guinness World Record verification.

Participants walked around the former Gyeonggi Provincial Government Complex and nearby Mt. Paldalsan, searching for a total of 200 hidden treasures. Various gifts – such as social economy products, express delivery coupons, and gift icons – were distributed according to the number of treasures found and their ranking. Various side programs, including mini-game zones, photo zones, food trucks, and band performances, were also provided to attract more visitors.

With 172 treasures for first place, 171 for second, and 170 for third, the overall winner was decided in a close race with only 5 seconds remaining.

Of particular note, this festival was undertaken in collaboration with nearby small business owners and featured a merchants’ association beverage booth as well as the provision of a 10% merchant association discount coupon as a treasure hunt reward. The mission zone, which was created by opening up a secure facility that had previously been off-limits to civilians, hosted a quest to find merchants’ association names using a password, generating both excitement and publicity.

All 500 discount coupons and 600 gift certificates (each valued at KRW 5,000) prepared by the merchants’ association were distributed that day, which is expected to contribute to the revitalization of the surrounding commercial area.

Gyeonggi Province plans to hold various events connecting Suwon Station, the former Gyeonggi Provincial Government Complex, Mt. Paldalsan, and Hwaseong Temporary Palace through public-private sector cooperation in the future. By doing so, Gyeonggi Province plans to make the former provincial government complex a center of local economic revitalization and a place full of excitement for Gyeonggi residents to experience and enjoy.

Gyeonggi Province Vice Governor for Economy Yeom Tae-young said, “This is a unique festival that families, friends and couples can enjoy at the former Gyeonggi Provincial Government Complex, as well as a meaningful opportunity to develop and revitalize the surrounding area,” adding, “We hope that many people will visit and participate in the ongoing treasure hunt event, which will run until the end of the year, and create fun memories.”