관광자의 가상현실 경험과 공간 인지에 관한 연구

Abstract

Immersive technologies such as augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) not only stimulate travelers' needs before, during, and after a trip but also provide new experiences. As the COVID-19 outbreak continues and non-face-to-face activities are preferred, the tourism industry considers immersive technology as an alternative tool to fulfill a traveler’s needs when traveling. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the value of virtual reality as a means to experience traveling and to understand the perception and behavior of tourists in virtual spaces and at tourist destinations from a behavioral geographic perspective. To do so, this research selected K Campus, located in Seoul, Republic of Korea, as the research destination and established virtual reality content for the experiment. This study used qualitative data from interviews and mental maps to better understand tourist perceptions and behavior. The data collected through interviews and mental maps is collected at two different periods: after the VR experience (t1) and after visiting the destination (t2). The results of the interview categorized the VR experience as (1) arousal, (2) immersive experience, (3) sensory experience, and (4) spatial presence. Furthermore, after visiting the destination, participants stated that movement in the virtual space influenced their actual behavior. This study attempted an in-depth approach to investigate participants' psychological states and perceptions.