The Magic of 'Half-price Vacation': Employees, SMEs, and Regions All Smile
Creatrip Team
9 months ago
South Korea's 'Employee Vacation Support Program' has seen remarkable success since 2018, helping workers afford longer vacations, boosting local tourism, and enhancing life satisfaction. Employees, companies, and the government each contribute to a fund allowing workers to purchase vacation packages via an online mall. Participation grew from 2,000 employees in 2018 to over 20,000 in 2023, mainly benefiting SMEs. The program increased average vacation days and improved employee loyalty and regional economies as workers traveled beyond Seoul to rural areas. Despite challenges such as budget limitations and concentrated benefits to small businesses, experts call for more incentives and diverse offerings to solidify the program and spread vacation culture across South Korea.