The Korea Tourism Organization said on the 15th that it is launching a "Regional Tourism Booster" program offering discounts of up to 30% on travel packages to areas facing population decline.
The agency will cover 30% of the package price, up to 30,000 won per person, for travelers who book through 10 travel agencies selected in a public competition. Featured packages include autumn reed trekking in Miryang, a KTX rail trip combining fall foliage at Naejangsan and local cuisine, a pilgrimage to Baengnyeongdo Island tracing the footsteps of the Rev. Andrew Kim Tae-gon, and family hotel-stay packages. Participating agencies include Seungwoo Travel, Hongik Travel, Haemil Travel and Yeonpyeong Travel. Eligible packages are listed in the travel product section of Daehanminguk Gusukgusuk (Korea Tour), the domestic travel platform operated by the organization.
The organization will also develop regional tourism content in cooperation with local governments. Local stories will be turned into travel articles, social media content and audio guides and featured on the Visit Korea website and mobile app. "We will shine a light on hidden local attractions and build mutually beneficial ties with private companies," said Lee Sun-woo, who heads the organization's domestic digital marketing team.