Travel with a feng shui master or a K-pop idol: Korea Tourism Organization seeks 700 for themed autumn trips

Five specially themed travel programs tailored to individual interests are set to launch this autumn, with the aim of drawing visitors to underserved regions and fostering sustainable local revitalization.

The Korea Tourism Organization is recruiting 700 participants for its "Five Travelers, Five Tastes" preference-based travel program through Wednesday as part of the 2026 "Travel This Autumn" campaign.

The program takes travelers to hidden gems in areas experiencing population decline, with this autumn's themes covering hiking, activities, ecology, food and family. The five itineraries are: a lucky mountain hike led by feng shui expert Park Sung-jun; an activity-filled outing called "Tension Up" with 2PM member Wooyoung; a birdwatching and nature observation trip with actor Kim Seok-hun exploring the value of the natural world; a seasonal-ingredient culinary journey with Chef Lee Moon-jung; and a family picnic experience with creator duo Jiji Couple. Each theme runs five times for a total of 25 trips, with a well-known influencer or expert joining participants on one session per theme.

Kwon Seung-o, a worker in his 30s who joined the preference-based travel program during the "Travel This Spring" campaign in May, said the experience left a lasting impression. "I joined a trip to Samcheok in Gangwon Province and had the unique experience of running the Haeparang Trail alongside an influencer," he said. "It was memorable because it wasn't just sightseeing — I got to experience a region through an activity I actually enjoy."

Any South Korean national can apply through the official "Travel Month" website, and participants selected by lottery will receive a complimentary day-trip experience.

Kim Seok-il, head of the Korea Tourism Organization's domestic travel promotion team, said the program starts not with a destination but with the question of what travelers love. "We want to show that even an unfamiliar region can become a new travel destination when it connects with your personal interests," he said, adding that he hopes the experiences will spark greater attention to depopulating areas and encourage repeat visits.