North Gyeongsang tourism body to subsidize bus rentals for group travelers, up to 800,000 won

The North Gyeongsang Culture and Tourism Corporation will subsidize bus rental costs for group travelers visiting North Gyeongsang Province in the second half of this year.

Groups of 30 or more are eligible if they visit at least two tourist sites within the province — including tourist attractions, festival venues or traditional markets — and spend at least 300,000 won ($212) during their trip.

Eligible applicants include institutions, organizations and travel agencies that organize group tours.

The subsidy varies by departure region: up to 600,000 won for groups departing from North Gyeongsang Province or Daegu, up to 800,000 won from the Greater Seoul area, and up to 700,000 won from other regions.

Applications open at 10 a.m. on Aug. 25 through an online Naver form. Travel must take place between Sept. 1 and Nov. 30.

After completing their trip, eligible applicants can receive the subsidy by filling out the application form attached to the official notice on the corporation's website and submitting it by mail with supporting documents.

Further details are available on the corporation's website.

"The program may close early once the allocated budget runs out," a corporation official said, adding that the initiative aims to "invigorate tourism and the local economy by bringing group travelers to tourist sites across the province."