South Korea Boosts Tourism Budget to Prepare for 30 Million Visitors, Pushes Regional Direct Travel
Creatrip Team
3 months ago
The South Korean government increased the 2026 tourism budget by 10.8% to 1.4879 trillion won to prepare for a 30 million annual foreign visitor target and to shift tourism from the Seoul metropolitan area to regional destinations. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism will expand global marketing (using K-content and K-culture), collaborate with global OTTs and influencers, and coordinate overseas promotion through Korea Tourism Organization offices and cultural centers. Measures to route visitors directly to regional airports and sites—without passing through the capital—include a pilot foreigner-only tourist pass, improved transport and payment convenience, expanded airport-rail-tour links, and demand-responsive buses for underserved areas. The plan also emphasizes developing unique local experiences (e.g., temple stay (templestay) programs, temple cuisine, regional food and performance packages), promoting medical tourism and festivals, and encouraging domestic travel via discounts and campaigns. Policy changes aim to shift from public-led development to region- and private-led projects, create regional tourism infrastructure funds, expand tourism company funds, and support AI-driven tourism tech and open innovation. President Lee stressed that tourism is a key cultural export industry and urged opening every possible path for growth.
