• Journal of Environmental Science International
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• v.24 no.11
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• pp.1451-1461
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• 2015

The purpose of this study is to describe how nature-based ecotourism motivation of ecotourists influences destination image and satisfaction of ecotourists. In order to achieve the above purposes, the study carried out a literature study and an empirical analysis. Based on the obtained data through the literature study, the study designed a model for the empirical study. The results of this study are as follows. First, returns to nature, knowledge. fitness and escape as ecotourism motivation of ecotourist had a positive effect on each ecotourism destination image, such as cognitive and affective image. However, effect of novelty on cognitive image for destination had not significant results. Second, ecotourism destination image, such as cognitive and affective image, had a positive effect on ecotourism satisfaction of ecotourists. The results of the article provide implications for strategies for promoting ecotourism destination and suggest some guidelines for the eco-education of tourists.

• The Korean Journal of Community Living Science
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.87-102
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• 2015

This study examines the structural relationships between ecotourism village visitors' motivation, value, satisfaction, and loyalty. A self-administered survey was conducted based on 254 visitors to six ecotourism villages. According to the confirmatory factor analysis, there were four underlying dimensions of motivation (relaxation, adventure, nature experience, and learning) and on underlying dimension of value (tourism). According to structural equation modeling, relaxation had a positive effect on economic value, and relaxation and learning had positive effects of functional value. Relaxation had a positive effect on social value. Economic, emotional, and social value had positive effects on ecotourism village visitors' satisfaction, and economic value had the greatest effect on satisfaction. Satisfaction had a positive effect on destination loyalty. The results imply that economic, emotional, and social value played important mediating roles in the relationship between motivation and satisfaction.

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Landscape Architecture
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• v.46 no.3
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• pp.46-57
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• 2018

To increase knowledge regarding the ecotourism market in Korea, this study conducted a market segmentation based on tourists' motivations and attitudes. An onsite survey of visitors to Daebu Haesol 1 gil, Gyeonggi Province, was conducted from late November 2016 to early January 2017. An exploratory factor analysis and K-means cluster analysis were employed to identify market segments by using data collected from 434 respondents. The results showed three distinct segments labelled 'Nature Seeking Responsible Tourists', 'Passive Nature Seeking Tourists' and 'Nature/Cohesion Seeking Responsible Tourists.' All three segments had different levels of 'escape', 'health' and 'cohesion' motivations but commonly they all had a relatively high level of 'nature' motivation. As they also differed from each other in terms of sociodemographic and travel related characteristics as well as satisfaction level, it was concluded that motivation and attitudes of responsibility can be used for ecotourism market segmentation. A significant implication is that this research confirmed that the indicators on tourists' attitude of responsibility toward local communities are useful in segmenting visitors to ecotourism sites, which have been rarely studied in previous ecotourism market studies.