France’s Randonneurs Walk Korea: ‘K-Walking Tours’ Become Marketable
Creatrip Team
22 days ago
South Korea is promoting ‘K-walking tours’ after members of France’s large trekking association, FFRandonnée, visited to hike from Bukhansan in Seoul to Jirisan. The Korea Tourism Organization sold a 10-night, 11-day itinerary (Seoul to Jirisan) through a French partner, featuring daily 4–6 hour walks, UNESCO sites like Hahoe Village and Suwon Hwaseong, a temple stay at Hwaeomsa (temple stay = overnight in a Buddhist temple), and coastal and mountain trails. About 40 association members will visit in three groups; early-bird price was €4,598 including flights and French guides. The government hopes such multi-day walking packages will extend stays beyond Seoul, boost regional tourism spending, and grow inbound national park visitors (which rose from 890,000 in 2024 to 2.05 million last year). Agencies plan promotions, a K-Trekking Challenge, and free loan of hiking gear to foreign visitors to reach 3 million park visitors by 2028.
