Korea to launch ‘half‑worth journey’ scheme to revitalize rural tourism

Songho Beach in South Jeolla Province / Korea Times file

The Korean authorities is launching a “half-price travel” initiative that reimburses half of vacationers’ bills once they go to designated rural areas dealing with inhabitants decline.

Starting in April, guests to 16 chosen localities will obtain 50 p.c of their journey prices again within the type of cell regional present certificates. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism not too long ago introduced that, along with the Korea Tourism Organization, it has chosen 16 native governments to take part in a pilot journey challenge, operating from April to June.

The chosen areas are PyeongChang, Yeongwol and Hoengseong in Gangwon Province; Jecheon in North Chungcheong; Gochang in North Jeolla; Gangjin, Yeonggwang, Haenam, Goheung, Wando and Yeongam in South Jeolla; and Miryang, Hadong, Hapcheon, Geochang and Namhae in South Gyeongsang.

Any Korean citizen aged 18 or older can apply upfront by submitting a journey plan to a collaborating municipality. After finishing the journey, vacationers could declare reimbursement by offering receipts and proof of expenditure.

Upon approval, half of the verified prices shall be refunded within the type of the native cell present certificates — as much as 100,000 gained per particular person or 200,000 gained for teams of two or extra. The refunded vouchers should be used earlier than the top of this 12 months at native associate retailers or on-line marketplaces promoting regional specialties.

With a complete price range of 6.5 billion gained, this system will run after every municipality completes preparatory measures. Specific particulars corresponding to software schedules, proof necessities, and use strategies could differ by location, so individuals are suggested to verify the Korea Tour web site (visitkorea.or.kr) or every native authorities’s web site for steerage.

The ministry plans to develop the scheme later this 12 months by including 4 extra native governments and, primarily based on pilot outcomes, steadily broaden participation nationwide from subsequent 12 months onward.

“This initiative goals to refine profitable native fashions that may unfold throughout the nation. We hope it would breathe new life into areas combating depopulation, whereas providing residents an inexpensive and rewarding journey expertise by shut collaboration with native governments,” Culture Minister Chae Hwi-young stated.