The Korean government's "half-price travel" program is expanding participation opportunities by resuming applications for new regions, following early closures in some existing areas. Additional application periods are expected to follow sequentially.
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Tourism Organization announced Sunday they are expanding new applications for the "Regional Love Vacation Support" program targeting rural areas experiencing population decline.
The regions beginning advance registration are Gochang, Geochang, and Wando counties. The program refunds 50% of travel expenses in the form of regional love gift certificates, aiming to revitalize local tourism and encourage repeat visits.
The subsidy limit is up to 100,000 won for individuals and up to 200,000 won for groups of two or more. Refunds are issued as mobile gift certificates, designed to drive local spending.
Starting with these new registrations, participating regions will continue to expand. Haenam County will begin accepting applications on April 30, Pyeongchang County on May 1, and Hoengseong County on May 20. Gangjin County is currently operating the program with its own budget and plans to transition to national funding starting in June.
Some regions that launched the program earlier closed applications early due to high interest. Namhae County, Miryang City, Hadong County, Hapcheon County, Goheung County, Yeongam County, and Yeonggwang County have closed April registrations, while Yeongwol County is closed through May. Jecheon City has exhausted its entire allocation for the year. However, regions other than Jecheon are preparing additional application periods for May and June.
Applicants should check region-specific requirements in advance, as eligibility criteria, application procedures, documentation requirements, and gift certificate usage locations vary by municipality. Details are available on the "Korea Tour" website operated by the Korea Tourism Organization.
