Korea Drives Fall Tourism to Boost Local Economies

The Korean government has launched a significant fall tourism campaign titled “Visit Korea in the Fall,” aiming to revitalize local economies by attracting both domestic and international tourists. Spearheaded by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST) and the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO), in collaboration with 17 regional governments and over 2,000 private companies, the campaign is scheduled to run from September 27 to November 10.

### Comprehensive Fall Tourism Initiatives

The campaign is designed to showcase Korea’s autumn beauty and diverse cultural experiences beyond the capital city of Seoul, focusing on regional attractions. It features a wide array of promotional events and discounts on various travel components. Tourists can expect discounts of up to 50 percent on accommodations, up to 30 percent on high-speed rail tickets, and 10 to 20 percent on regional bus services. Furthermore, various cultural facilities and experience programs will offer reduced prices. The initiative includes more than 150 unique travel products tailored to different interests.

### Strategic Promotional Activities

Key components of the campaign involve specially curated travel routes. The “K-Culture Road” focuses on historical sites and traditional arts, while the “Gourmet Trail” highlights local culinary delights. For nature enthusiasts, the “Nature’s Embrace” route emphasizes Korea’s scenic autumn landscapes. To reach a broader audience, the KTO is collaborating with international airlines and online travel agencies (OTAs) to attract foreign visitors. Promotional materials include an “Autumn Festivals Guidebook” and a dedicated campaign website. Special events such as a “K-pop Fall Concert Series” are planned across various cities, and a “Hanbok Experience Week” will be held at traditional heritage sites. The campaign also promotes visits to traditional markets and encourages the sampling of local specialties.

### Anticipated Economic Boost

The “Visit Korea in the Fall” campaign sets ambitious targets for its duration. It aims for a 20 percent increase in domestic tourism and a 15 percent rise in international tourist arrivals during the campaign period. The government anticipates that these efforts will result in an economic impact exceeding 1.5 trillion won, alongside the creation of over 10,000 new jobs. The overall objective is to leverage the appeal of Korea’s autumn season to significantly boost regional economies and support local businesses.

Key Points

* Campaign dates: September 27 to November 10
* Number of collaborating regional governments: 17
* Number of collaborating private companies: Over 2,000
* Accommodation discounts: Up to 50 percent
* High-speed rail ticket discounts: Up to 30 percent
* Regional bus service discounts: 10 to 20 percent
* Number of unique travel products: More than 150
* Target increase in domestic tourism: 20 percent
* Target increase in international tourist arrivals: 15 percent
* Expected economic impact: Exceeding 1.5 trillion won
* Expected new job creation: Over 10,000

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