Korea Tourism Organization launches campaign to ease travel for foreign visitors at regional gateways

A campaign to improve tourism services for foreign visitors traveling across South Korea launched Wednesday, centered on six regional gateway cities. The initiative includes a cashback policy offering up to 12,000 won ($9) per person — 2,000 won per transaction — at local shops.

The Korea Tourism Organization said it will run the "Unlock Your Korea: Go Local" campaign through Dec. 13, aiming to help foreign tourists travel conveniently throughout the country's regions.

The campaign is designed to reduce inconveniences foreign visitors may encounter from the moment they arrive in South Korea — covering transportation, spending and overall travel experience — and to build a more accessible tourism environment. It targets gateway cities and surrounding areas served by Cheongju, Daegu and Gimhae airports, as well as Incheon, Pyeongtaek and Gunsan seaports.

To improve payment and shopping convenience, the organization will expand mobile payment infrastructure and tax-refund systems at traditional markets and other local shops. It will also run a joint promotion with WOWPASS, a payment and commerce platform for foreign visitors. Tourists who spend 10,000 won or more on food or shopping at local businesses will receive an instant 2,000 won cashback per transaction, with a maximum of six transactions per person for a total benefit of 12,000 won.

The campaign also introduces an integrated pass to improve mobility and visitor satisfaction. The K-Tour Pass, which bundles transportation and tourist attraction discounts, will be available in Busan — one of the most popular destinations among foreign visitors. Pass holders can receive a discount on airport railroad express fares or gain free admission to one of 35 paid tourist attractions in Busan.

To help foreign tourists easily find places to stay and things to do in the regions, the organization will strengthen tourism information services and develop locally tailored content. It will significantly expand accommodation listings near regional airports and seaports — including hanok guesthouses and other quality lodging options — and enhance multilingual interpretation and guidance through the 1330 Korea Travel Hotline. Travel products will be developed in connection with major regional food festivals, including the Daegu Tteokbokki Festival and the Gimcheon Kimbap Festival, with joint promotions planned through the organization's overseas offices and global online travel agencies.

Min Byeong-seon, head of the Korea Tourism Organization's tourism industry division, said the campaign would "create an environment where foreign tourists arriving through regional airports and seaports can easily access travel information and conveniently enjoy the region's attractive offerings from the moment they arrive." He added that the organization would continue working with local governments, related agencies and private companies "to make regional airports and seaports new starting points for local tourism."