This study aimed at examining the changes of time series and spatial pattern s of tourism climatic conditions using Korea Tourism Climate Index (KTCI) of South Korea. Spatial patterns of KTCI represent climate characteristics in all seasons of South Korea,. KTCI also shows which tourism climate condition inappropriately (appropriately) shows the changes of tourism activity in the summer (winter) season in response to the global warming. KTCI is therefore expected to be a more suitable index than TCI (Tourism Climate Index) when it comes to the incorporation of the global warming into the index. KTCI can also be used for improving the future prediction about tourism climate conditions and provide useful information for the establishment of countermeasure strategies for climate change.

TCI(tourism climatic index) is a measure of the suitability of climate for outdoor sightseeing, which combines seven climate variables. Based on the TCI, we analyse the present climate resources for tourism in Gangwon-do and assess the recent changes. We use daily meteorological data from 11 stations in Gangwon-do. First, we compare mean annual cycles of the TCI for 5 stations(Gangneung, Sokcho, Wonju Chuncheon, and Daegwallyeong). This comparison reveals that range of the annual cycle is from minimum 35(for Daegwallyeong in January) to maximum 80(for Wonju in May and September). Daegwallyeong which is located in highland is characterized by summer season peak pattern while other regions have low TCI values in hot summer. In long-term trend of the TCI, Gangneung has increasing trends in February, April and December, whereas it has significant decreasing trends in summer and fall(June to October). In case of Daegwallyeong, increasing trends are found in February, November and December, and relatively steep declining trends in summer season. The overall decreasing trend in summer season is a common feature in Gangwon-do. Decreasing trends at Gangneung in August and September might be mostly explained by the increasing trend of rainfall amount in those months. Meanwhile, increasing trends of the TCI in winter season might be a positive impact of climate warming on the tourism sector.