Korea unveils major fall tourism initiative to strengthen local economies

Korea's Vice Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Kim Dae-hyun presents a plaque appointing singer and TV personality Chuu as ambassador for the ministry's fall tourism campaign during a launch ceremony in Seoul, Tuesday. (Source: Korea Times)

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism launched the campaign together with the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, and the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries. Six major business associations, including the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry, also joined the effort, signaling strong collaboration between government and industry.

At a declaration ceremony at the Korea Tourism Organization’s (KTO) Seoul center, participating groups pledged to promote travel to lesser-known regions while supporting small businesses and local service providers.

Jointly organized by the culture ministry and the KTO, the campaign runs until November and is designed to mobilize both public resources and private networks. K-pop singer Chuu has been appointed as an honorary ambassador to draw younger travelers.

The initiative features a suite of travel perks. Visitors can enjoy 50 percent discounts on tourist trains, coupons worth up to 50,000 won ($36) for accommodations and reduced bus and domestic airfare. Prices for camping, rural stays and certified lodgings will also be reduced, while special travel passes and themed tour programs will be discounted.

Regional destinations are preparing unique content for the season. New attractions include the Jinan Highlands Forest Healing Center and Janggeum Park in Jeongup, North Jeolla Province. The latter, set to open this month, is focused on Korea’s first documented female royal physician from the Joseon Dynasty who was portrayed in the popular TV series “Jewel in the Palace.”

Renovated spots such as Namhae’s Mulmi Coast Observatory will reopen, while 27 newly spotlighted hidden gems from Ganghwa Island to Jinju’s Wolasan Forest will be showcased. Limited-edition Kakao Talk emoticons featuring the cartoon character Zanmang Loopy will also be offered to visitors at selected sites.

Local governments and national corporations are aligning their own programs with the season.

North Jeolla Province and the Korea Rural Community Corp. will expand rural tour passes, and Geochang County in South Gyeongsang Province is planning a reimbursement event for visitors who have lodging and dining receipts.

Meanwhile, the interior ministry will promote visits to youth villages and island destinations, while the agriculture ministry will lead rural tourism weeks with food festivals and hands-on experiences. The oceans ministry is expanding stamp tours of fishing villages and domestic cruise programs. The six business groups are supporting small company trips, inclusive travel projects and cross-promotions with gaming firms.

Kim Dae-hyun, vice minister of culture, said the campaign represents “a joint effort by public and private sectors to revive local economies and domestic demand,” encouraging people to make autumn journeys.

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