Culture ministry launches autumn travel campaign with deep discounts

The culture ministry said Tuesday it is launching a nationwide campaign to encourage domestic travel this autumn, offering subsidies on transportation, accommodation and camping fees from October through November.

Minister Choi Hwi-young announced the program at a launch event. "We hope this campaign will leave families with good memories and add new vitality to local regions," Choi said.

Drivers visiting 89 designated population-declining areas can receive up to 30,000 won in points through the T-map navigation app after completing eco-friendly travel pledges and driving more than 30 kilometers. Additional rewards are available for electric vehicle owners and visitors who use digital tourism resident cards or submit video reviews.

Korail is offering 50 percent discounts on five themed train lines and full fare rebates for those visiting specific tourist sites in 41 shrinking regions. Domestic flight bookings made via Naver Aviation will yield cash-back points of 10,000 won for mainland routes and 5,000 won for flights to Jeju Island per passenger.

To address lodging costs, the ministry will distribute approximately 80,000 accommodation vouchers for non-metropolitan areas starting September 22, alongside a pilot program providing discounts of up to 50,000 won for stays on islands. Campers can access 10,000 won discounts on registered sites through online reservation platforms.

A "Local Love Vacation Support" project refunds 50 percent of travel expenses as mobile local currency, capped at 100,000 won per person, with a higher limit of 140,000 won for young adults. Special attention is directed toward Geoje and Tongyeong to boost tourism recovery following recent heavy rain damage.