Identity and Direction of Tourism Resource Theories as a Sub Field of Tourism Sciences in Korea

This current study offers a review of tourism resource theories in Korea and foreign countries through a document review research approach. From this review, the present study discusses the meaning of tourism resources, tourism resource theory changes, comparison of tourism resource theory and tourism geography, research methods in tourism resource theory, and tourism resource theory composition. In this study, it was suggested that in order for tourism resource theory to fit into the overarching domain of tourism theory, it is necessary to actively accept the social science approach as well as academic approach used in tourism geography. 'Tourism resources' becomes meaningful as tourism resources are planned, developed and managed for the utilization of tourists and local residents who the main users. Evaluation of tourism resources can be useful for monitoring planning, development and management of tourism resources. In this context, the current study suggests that the field of tourism resource theory should be divided into the following subsections: i) tourism resource theory ii) tourism resource planning iii) tourism resource development iv) tourism resource management v) tourism resource evaluation. By doing so, greater insight into the topics, subjects and scope of its research, as well as how tourism resource theory might better be implemented as a subject of study, can ultimately contribute to establishing the future direction of tourism resource theory.