More to see, for less: Korea expands half-price travel program to nine more regions
Creatrip Team
23 days ago
South Korea’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism is expanding its domestic travel reimbursement program to nine additional regions in the second half of the year to support areas with population decline. The scheme reimburses 50% of tourism expenses in participating locations, with up to 100,000 won in local consumption vouchers per person (140,000 won for travelers aged 34 and under). The pilot in April included 16 sites and proved successful: participants spent 16.2 billion won while only 5.2 billion won was reimbursed, and many travelers increased budgets or chose new destinations because of the subsidy. Spending was split mainly between food (45.5%) and lodging (32.2%). Officials say the initiative helps revive declining regions and will continue in partnership with local governments.
