Korea has launched a Travel Month campaign aimed at boosting regional tourism and the economy. The campaign, which is organized by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO), offers a variety of travel benefits and discounts for both domestic and international travelers. Last year, the campaign generated 13.2 trillion won ($9.8 billion) in travel expenditures, and following its success, the government plans to hold the campaign twice this year in March and June. With a range of discounts on transportation, accommodations, and tourist attractions, the Travel Month campaign aims to encourage more people to explore the diverse regions of Korea.
Overview of the Travel Month Campaign
The Travel Month campaign in Korea aims to boost domestic travel and the regional economy. It is an annual campaign organized by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism and the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO), and it has been successful in providing travel benefits to over 1.03 million people last year. The campaign has created a ripple effect of 13.2 trillion won ($9.8 billion) in travel expenditures. As a result of its success, the government has decided to hold the campaign twice a year, in March and June, offering a wide range of travel discounts.
Objectives of the Campaign
The main objective of the Travel Month campaign is to encourage domestic travel and stimulate the regional economy. By providing travel benefits and discounts, the campaign aims to attract more people to explore different regions of Korea and contribute to the local businesses and tourist attractions. The campaign also aims to promote cultural exchange and encourage foreign nationals to experience the unique attractions and activities that Korea has to offer.
Previous Success of the Campaign
The Travel Month campaign has been highly successful in the past, with over 1.03 million people benefiting from the travel discounts and promotions. This, in turn, has led to a significant boost in travel expenditures, totaling 13.2 trillion won ($9.8 billion). The positive impact of the campaign can be seen in the increased footfall at tourist attractions, the growth of local businesses, and the overall improvement of the regional economy. The success of the campaign has prompted the government to continue organizing it twice a year.
Campaign Period and Participants
The Travel Month campaign takes place from March to June, with the first campaign period being in March. It is a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, the Korea Tourism Organization, local governments, and the tourism industry. These entities work together to provide travel benefits, discounts on entrance fees, transport benefits, and accommodation discounts to participants during the campaign period. The campaign aims to attract both domestic travelers and foreign nationals to explore different regions of Korea.
Travel Benefits for Foreign Nationals
The Travel Month campaign offers various travel benefits for foreign nationals visiting Korea. One notable benefit is the 50% discount offered by the Cultural Corps of Korean Buddhism for a one-day and one-night templestay experience. This allows foreign nationals to immerse themselves in Korean culture and spirituality. Additionally, attractions such as the National Institute of Ecology and Taekwondowon offer a 50% discount on entrance fees, allowing foreign visitors to explore and appreciate the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Korea at a reduced cost.
Discounts on Entrance Fees for Attractions
In addition to the travel benefits for foreign nationals, the Travel Month campaign also offers discounts on entrance fees for attractions. For example, cable cars in Jecheon, North Chungcheong Province, carry visitors up mountains and provide a scenic experience. These cable cars offer discounted tickets during the campaign period. Other attractions, such as Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province, also offer discounted entrance fees, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in Korea’s rich history and cultural heritage.
Transport Benefits for Domestic Travelers
The Travel Month campaign also includes transport benefits for domestic travelers. The Korea Airports Corp. (KAC) and Jin Air collaborate to offer 15,000 won discounts on flights from Gimpo to four regional airports. These discounted tickets are valid until April 14 and aim to encourage domestic travelers to explore different regions of Korea. The Korea Railroad Corp. (KORAIL) also offers discounted train tickets on a first-come, first-served basis. Online travel agencies in partnership with KORAIL offer discounts on tour packages for train trips during the campaign period.
Discounted Train Tickets and Tour Packages
To further promote domestic travel, the Travel Month campaign includes discounted train tickets and tour packages. Travelers who purchase tour packages through online travel agencies in partnership with KORAIL can receive discounts of up to 50% during weekdays and up to 30% on weekends and holidays for train trips in March. Tourists can choose from various train routes with different themes, such as the East Sea & Santa Train, West Gold Train, Baekdudaegan Mountain Range Canyon Train, South Coast Train, and Jeongseon Arirang Train. These discounted packages allow travelers to explore different regions of Korea conveniently and affordably.
Promotions on Rental Car Services
In order to promote travel to rural areas with diminishing populations, the Travel Month campaign includes promotions on rental car services. These services offer discounts of up to 50% for travelers who wish to explore rural areas of Korea. By providing discounted rental car services, the campaign aims to encourage travelers to visit lesser-known destinations and support local businesses in these areas.
Accommodation Discounts and Promotion Coupons
To provide additional benefits for travelers during the campaign period, the Travel Month campaign offers accommodation discounts and promotion coupons. Around 110,000 promotion coupons can be used to book accommodations priced over 50,000 won per night on various booking platforms. These coupons are distributed via online travel agencies on a first-come, first-served basis. By offering accommodation discounts, the campaign aims to make travel more affordable and accessible for participants.
In conclusion, the Travel Month campaign in Korea aims to boost domestic travel, stimulate the regional economy, and promote cultural exchange. The campaign offers various travel benefits, discounts on entrance fees, transport benefits, and accommodation discounts for both foreign nationals and domestic travelers. By providing these incentives, the campaign encourages travelers to explore different regions of Korea, support local businesses, and experience the unique attractions and activities that the country has to offer. With its proven success, the Travel Month campaign continues to be a significant initiative in promoting tourism in Korea.
