Journalist
Ki Su-jeong
violet1701@ajunews.com
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Gwangju to Cover Vacation Fund Share for Small-Firm Workers, a First in South Korea Gwangju Metropolitan City will become the first local government in South Korea to use its own budget to directly subsidize vacation funds for workers at small and midsize companies in the city. The Korea Tourism Organization said it signed a business agreement on Wednesday with the Gwangju city government and the Gwangju Chamber of Commerce and Industry for the “Vacation Plus” program for small-company workers in the region. The program will cover 350 manufacturing workers in Gwangju. Under the existing Worker Vacation Support Program, a total of 400,000 won is saved, with workers contributing 200,000 won, their companies 100,000 won and the government 100,000 won. Under the new agreement, Gwangju will pay the full worker share (200,000 won) and half of the company share (50,000 won). As a result, workers can secure 400,000 won in vacation funds with no out-of-pocket spending. Kim Seok, head of the KTO’s National Tourism Office, said the partners plan to expand the cooperation model to other regions in the second half of this year. Jeon Eun-young, a director at the Gwangju Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said the effort is the first attempt to strengthen worker welfare through cooperation between a local government and a regional economic group, and is expected to improve the quality of life for manufacturing workers. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-30 15:20:00 -
South Korea Opens K-Tourism Roadshow in Fukuoka to Target Japan’s Golden Week South Korea’s Culture, Sports and Tourism Ministry is stepping up efforts to attract Japanese visitors during Japan’s Golden Week holiday period (April 29 to May 6). The ministry said it will hold a “K-tourism roadshow” on Wednesday in Fukuoka to spur local interest in travel to South Korea. It is the third on-site promotion this month, following events in Osaka on April 9 and in Tokyo from April 10 to 12. ◆ “Shall we go today? Korea!” — Hwang Min-hyun to headline The Fukuoka roadshow is aimed at positioning South Korea as a nearby country that is easy to visit. Organizers set the theme as “Shall we go today? Korea!” Singer and actor Hwang Min-hyun, who organizers said has a strong fan base in Japan, is scheduled to appear for a special performance and a “Korea tourism story show.” The ministry said he has 6.75 million Instagram followers. Ahead of the main program, the four-member Busan-based band “Girin” will open the event. Promotional booths will be set up around the venue under the theme of “a preview of a Korea trip in Fukuoka.” Local governments including Busan and Jeju will take part, along with airlines such as Air Busan and Jin Air. Local food and cosmetics companies, including Sato Foods and Tito, will also join to offer Japanese consumers hands-on experiences tied to K-culture. ◆ Vice minister dispatched to deepen ties with travel industry To maximize demand during Golden Week, Kim Daehyeon, second vice minister of culture, sports and tourism, visited the Fukuoka event site. The ministry said Kim will meet with officials from major local travel agencies, including H.I.S., to discuss cooperation on developing tailored travel products. He also plans to outline the government’s K-tourism strategy and efforts to expand arrivals in an interview with the Mainichi Shimbun. “Japan is one of the key markets for inbound tourism to Korea,” Kim said. “I hope more Japanese people will visit Korea during this long holiday.” He added that the ministry will prepare thoroughly so both first-time visitors and repeat travelers can experience a wider range of regional tourism products.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-30 08:19:45 -
Korea Tourism Organization Targets Russian, Kazakh Medical Tourists, Expects 5.8 Billion Won in Deals The Korea Tourism Organization said April 29 that its large-scale local sales push targeting high-spending medical tourists from Russia and Central Asia has concluded, generating 346 contracts and an expected 5.8 billion won in sales. ◆ Central Asia emerges as a key target in Korea’s medical tourism market The number of foreign medical tourists visiting South Korea topped 2 million for the first time last year, reaching 2.01 million. Among them, visitors from Russia and Kazakhstan totaled 35,450, up about 14% from a year earlier. Their average spending per person was about 40% higher than the overall average, making them a high-value market, the organization said. To capture demand, the organization held “2026 Korea Medical Tourism Promotion Briefings” on April 17 and 20 in Moscow and St. Petersburg. Twenty-four South Korean medical institutions and agencies joined the events, which drew about 330 local industry participants for business consultations. Product sales training was also offered to help local partners better understand the offerings. ◆ From trade fair to one-on-one sessions, 346 contracts signed In Almaty, Kazakhstan, the organization took part in the region’s largest tourism fair, the International Tourism Fair (KITF), held April 22-25. With 24 South Korean organizations, it operated a Korea tourism promotion pavilion highlighting medical and wellness travel products. On April 22, it hosted a tourism exchange event with 40 local agencies. On April 25, it staged a consumer-focused promotion at a major shopping mall linking K-beauty and K-food, drawing about 50,000 visitors. That day, it also held tailored one-on-one consultations at the InterContinental hotel with eight South Korean specialist doctors to showcase Korea’s advanced medical services. Across the roadshow, the organization reported 4,397 B2B and B2C consultations and said it expects 346 contracts and about 5.8 billion won in sales. Lee Dong-seok, head of the Korea Tourism Organization’s medical and wellness team, said the group will use the local networks built through the campaign to position South Korea as a tourism destination combining advanced medical technology with K-wellness. The organization said it has pursued a more segmented medical tourism strategy since last year, including building a networking club for affluent Chinese visitors, holding Japan’s first large-scale medical tourism event, and developing a new market in Erdenet, a mining city in Mongolia.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-29 10:40:08 -
Elysian Gangchon to Host Forest Bakery Market in Chuncheon on May 24 Elysian Gangchon in Chuncheon, Gangwon Province, will hold its large-scale “Forest Bakery Market” on May 24, bringing together well-known bakeries and dessert brands from across South Korea, the resort said Tuesday. ◆ A picnic-style bakery festival in the woods First introduced in October 2024, the Forest Bakery Market has expanded each year and has drawn strong interest, with more than 20,000 visitors attending a single event. This year’s theme is “The moment forest scents meet the aroma of bread — the most atmospheric day for all five senses.” Visitors can enjoy a lawn picnic and walks away from the city while sampling breads and desserts from around the country. With interest in desserts rising amid the popularity of baking competition shows, organizers expect larger crowds than in previous years. The venue will include photo zones and rest areas aimed at younger visitors and families. Beyond food sales, the event will also feature a handicrafts flea market, live busking performances and simple baking experiences. ◆ Easy access by subway, with a push to support local businesses Organizers have credited the festival’s success to its accessibility as a “bakery trip by subway,” with visitors able to reach the site conveniently from the Seoul metropolitan area via the Gyeongchun Line. The wooded setting is also positioned as a contrast to city-based festivals. Elysian Gangchon said it partnered with the bakery-focused platform “Bbangjisullae” to produce a special “bakery pilgrimage map” for the Chuncheon area, aiming to promote local bakeries and boost dessert tourism. The organizers said the event will help expand sales channels for local merchants and small businesses while giving visitors a chance to discover new local brands. “By combining nature, food and relaxation, we plan to present an upgraded program as a lifestyle-style festival,” an Elysian Gangchon official said. “As it has become a signature spring festival, we hope many people will visit Chuncheon again this year.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-29 10:27:00 -
BTS Concerts Spur Surge in Foreign Visitors and Spending Near Venues, Data Show K-pop’s reach is extending beyond arenas and into nearby neighborhoods, with government-backed analysis showing sharp increases in foreign visitors and card spending around BTS concert sites. Foreign arrivals near a Goyang venue rose 35-fold and card spending climbed 38-fold, underscoring what officials described as spillover benefits for local businesses. Surveys also found that overseas fans stayed longer and spent more than typical visitors to South Korea, drawing attention to Hallyu-linked tourism as a potential boost to domestic demand. ◆ ‘BTS effect’ hits local streets: about 300 million won spent in three days According to a big-data analysis by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Tourism Organization, the number of foreign visitors in Daehwa-dong, an administrative neighborhood in Ilsanseo-gu, during the three days of BTS concerts in Goyang totaled 48,581. That was up 3,377% from 1,397 a year earlier, or about 35 times higher. Spending rose even faster. Foreign card spending in the area jumped 3,699% over the same period, to 337.8 million won from 8.9 million won, adding momentum to small local businesses. ◆ Longer stays, higher spending: survey points to high-value visitors A field survey by the Korea Culture & Tourism Institute found that foreign visitors who came to South Korea to attend the Gwanghwamun performance on March 21 stayed an average of 8.7 days and spent 3.53 million won per person. In the first quarter, average foreign tourists stayed 6.1 days and spent 2.45 million won, making the concertgoers’ figures about 1.4 times higher on both measures. Attendees of the Goyang Sports Complex concerts stayed an average of 7.4 days and spent 2.91 million won, the survey found. The visitors did more than attend concerts, expanding their itineraries to sites tied to the “BTS THE CITY Seoul” program, including Yongsan, Myeongdong, Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) and the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art. ◆ Building K-culture travel routes to expand regional tourism The government said it aims to spread the economic impact of major Hallyu events beyond the Seoul metropolitan area by linking concerts to regional tourism. It plans to run a “welcome week” from June 1 to 15 in connection with BTS concerts in Busan scheduled for June 12-13, seeking to draw foreign tourists to the region. Officials also said they will continue developing signature Hallyu tourism routes that bundle regional K-pop concerts with hands-on exhibitions and drama filming locations. Kang Jeong-won, director-general for tourism policy at the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, said the key is connecting K-culture with local tourism content so large Hallyu concerts lead to regional visits. He said the ministry will actively support efforts so regional trips by overseas visitors develop into longer, stay-based tourism. 2026-04-29 08:46:43 -
South Korea Seeks Central-Local Partnership to Reach 30 Million Foreign Visitors The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism said it met with officials from all 17 provinces and major cities to discuss ways to overhaul inbound tourism, a follow-up to the National Tourism Strategy Council’s elevation to a presidential body. The ministry said it plans to strengthen cooperation between central and local governments, saying revitalizing regional tourism is essential to reaching an era of 30 million foreign visitors. The ministry said it held a meeting of tourism bureau directors from the 17 local governments on the 28th at the Government Complex Sejong, chaired by Kang Jeong-won, director general for tourism policy. The meeting was convened to discuss how to carry out the “inbound tourism transformation and regional tourism leap” measures drawn up at the 11th National Tourism Strategy Council meeting in February. The ministry said it was the first session aimed at strengthening a central-local communication channel since the council, the top decision-making body for tourism policy, was upgraded under revisions to the Tourism Promotion Act. ◆Local governments seen as key to targeting 30 million inbound visitors The ministry and local governments agreed that the decisive factor for the inbound tourism overhaul is a leading role by local governments. They said they will work to identify and develop tourism content tailored to each region in line with the government’s push to foster tourism as a national strategic industry. Officials focused on tasks including making regional airports hubs for inbound tourism, strengthening the lodging industry support system, setting directions for region-specific tourism zones, introducing a performance management system for tourism development projects, developing region-by-region tourism content such as identifying notable destinations in South Korea, and improving visitor readiness by stamping out price gouging. ◆Ministry hears local concerns, pledges “noticeable” tourism gains The ministry said it heard practical difficulties and pending issues local governments face in implementing policies, and that the feedback will be reflected in detailed policy steps going forward. Kang said, “The battleground for an era of 30 million inbound visitors is ultimately the regions, and local governments hold the key to success.” He added, “With the National Tourism Strategy Council elevated to a presidential body, the ministry will communicate more closely with local governments to deliver a tourism leap that both the public and foreign visitors can feel.” 2026-04-28 16:48:19 -
South Korea Expects Up to 200,000 Chinese and Japanese Visitors for May Holidays Higher airfares are pushing travelers toward short-haul trips, and South Korea expects a surge of visitors from China and Japan during the Labor Day and Golden Week holiday period. The government says it will deploy targeted marketing to extend the strong momentum seen in the first quarter. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Tourism Organization forecast on the 28th that a combined 180,000 to 200,000 tourists will visit around May 1, including 80,000 to 90,000 from Japan and 100,000 to 110,000 from China. In the first quarter, arrivals from Japan reached 940,000, up 20% from a year earlier, while visitors from China totaled 1.45 million, up 29%, already near record highs. ◆ Japan targets families; Kyushu travelers steered to Busan For Japan’s Golden Week (4. 29~5. 6), the ministry is focusing on families and proximity. Working with Jin Air and Air Busan, it will offer families traveling with children airfare discounts of 1,000 to 2,000 yen and an extra 5 kilograms of checked baggage allowance. It will also provide discount coupons for Shinsegae duty-free shops and department stores and recommend tailored attractions such as Jeju’s Snoopy Garden to encourage spending during visits. For residents of Japan’s nearby Kyushu region, the ministry is launching a “Now is the time for Busan” campaign with special discounts on ferries and flights to Busan. Programs including cruise-ship fireworks will be discounted 40% to 50% to ease perceived costs. A “K-tourism roadshow” in Fukuoka on the 30th will feature Hwang Min-hyun, and a May 1 special broadcast on Japan’s Mainichi Broadcasting System (MBS) is aimed at boosting demand for weekend one-night, two-day trips. Welcome events for charter-flight passengers will also be held May 2 and 3 at Cheongju Airport. ◆ “Shortest-distance appeal stands out” as four China cruises call During China’s Labor Day holiday (5. 1~5), the ministry expects South Korea’s appeal as a nearby destination to be especially strong. Four cruise ships are scheduled to call at South Korean ports during the period. According to travel agencies in Shandong, bookings on the shortest routes between South Korea and China rose to 30% to 60% above last year’s level. To welcome travelers arriving on direct flights from Shanghai to Gimhae, the ministry will set up a reception booth in the Gimhae Airport arrivals hall and promote repeat visits to regional destinations. Through a roulette event, it will offer experience vouchers for a Haeundae “K-beauty all-in-one course” and a Gwangalli “ocean activity course,” along with souvenirs from four southeastern cities — Busan, Ulsan, Pohang and Changwon. In a joint promotion with Hong Kong Express, it will also offer airfare discounts on Hong Kong-to-regional airport routes (Gimhae, Daegu and Jeju), aiming to draw demand from Guangzhou into regional tourism. Culture Minister Choi Hwi-young said the ministry has operated a weekly tourism situation “war room” since February to respond early to changing conditions. “Even amid concerns about a slowdown in international tourism demand, we will make the most of Golden Week and Labor Day to firmly maintain the growth trend in inbound tourism,” he said. 2026-04-28 08:59:02 -
South Korea Tightens Oversight of Local Tourism Projects With New Performance Rules The South Korean government is moving to curb chronic budget waste and delays in regional tourism development projects by tightening oversight of local governments and expanding performance-based management. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism said it promulgated an amendment to the Tourism Promotion Act on April 28 that introduces a performance management system for subsidy-supported projects run by local governments. The revised law will take effect Oct. 29. The amendment calls for a comprehensive management framework covering the full project cycle, from planning through completion and post-completion. The ministry said the move reflects a push to address repeated concerns raised during the National Assembly’s annual settlement reviews about weak performance and insufficient management of regional tourism projects. ◆ Tighter reviews for projects of 10 billion won or more; tailored consulting for delays The ministry outlined three main changes. First, projects with total costs of 10 billion won or more will be designated as priority evaluation targets. Authorities will assess implementation results and analyze economic effects, then feed identified problems back into the projects with recommended fixes. Second, the government will build a “Tourism Development Integrated Information System” to track the status of local projects receiving national subsidies, including administrative histories and lists of underperforming projects. Third, projects running at least 30% behind schedule compared with their plans will be eligible for tailored consulting by experts. The ministry said the support will diagnose causes of delays and offer solutions by area, including legal issues, construction, content planning and facility operations, to help projects finish on time. ◆ Higher bar for subsidies; dedicated agency to be named within the year Requirements for receiving national subsidies will also be tightened. Local governments seeking national funding will be required to submit documents proving they have secured project sites and completed reviews for local fiscal investment and loans. To help the new system take hold, the ministry said it plans to designate a dedicated agency within this year and prepare detailed implementation measures. Kang Jeong-won, director general for tourism policy at the ministry, said the performance management system would reduce similar or overlapping investments and help projects be completed on schedule. “It will improve the efficiency of fiscal investment and strengthen regional tourism competitiveness,” Kang said.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-28 08:21:18 -
Lotte World adds MapleStory unit to daily parade, launches Pink Bean photo sessions Lotte World Adventure said Monday it will run a new MapleStory-themed parade segment and character photo sessions, building on the popularity of its “Maple Island Zone,” created in partnership with Nexon’s online game “MapleStory.” The Maple Island Zone at Lotte World’s Magic Island has drawn long lines since it opened on April 3, the company said. In response, Lotte World Adventure has added MapleStory elements to its “Let’s Play! Lotty’s Adventure Parade,” held daily at 2 p.m. on the first-floor parade route since April 24. The newly added MapleStory unit vehicle is inspired by Ludibrium, the game’s toy kingdom. MapleStory characters Orange Mushroom and Slime lead the unit, followed by dancers themed as Brown Tenny, Pink Tenny, Blockpus and a drum-beating rabbit. The highlight is a Ludibrium-style vehicle designed like a colorful toy-block castle, with special effects including moving wind-up parts and spinning propellers. The boss monster Pink Bean rides on top and greets spectators. Lotte World is also introducing a character photo event, “Smile with MapleStory,” to extend the parade experience. The event will run twice daily through June 14, at 12:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. At 12:30 p.m., visitors can take photos with Pink Bean at the first-floor Meeting Plaza. At 5:30 p.m., the photo session will be held at the seasonal photo zone across from the plaza. Details on locations and schedules are available on the Lotte World Adventure website.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-28 07:48:27 -
Lotte Tour Development Revamps Jeju Dream Tower Food Court With Budget-Friendly Menu With dining costs rising, a five-star hotel in Jeju is betting on sharply lower prices. Lotte Tour Development has overhauled its food court at the Jeju Dream Tower integrated resort, rolling out a menu that starts with bakery items priced in the 1,000-won range and tteokbokki in the 4,000-won range. Lotte Tour Development said on 27 it reopened the renovated “Dream Food Court” on the third floor of Grand Hyatt Jeju inside the Jeju Dream Tower integrated resort. The renovation rebrands the former “Popup Plaza,” aiming to offer premium dishes cooked by five-star hotel chefs at prices comparable to street food. The venue kept its existing cafe and juice bar and added three new counters — Korean Fried, Korean Rice & Noodle, and a bunsik snack shop — to broaden choices. ◆ Five-star chefs, street-level prices Prices have been cut significantly. Popular Korean street-food staples such as gimbap and tteokbokki are priced in the 4,000- to 5,000-won range. Dishes including spicy pork rice bowls, kimchi fried rice and noodle items are kept under 10,000 won. Fried chicken is available in the 13,000-won range. The company said it is strengthening its lineup of reasonably priced Korean food to draw not only hotel guests but also walk-in visitors. ◆ Open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Hours have also been extended. The food court will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., covering breakfast through late-night snacks. A “Morning Bakery Selection” runs from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m., selling freshly baked croissants and salt bread in the 1,000-won range, targeting customers looking for a cheaper alternative to a breakfast buffet. Health-focused items such as salads, wellness juices and yogurt are also offered for under 8,000 won. All items are available for takeout through an “All day Grab & Go” service. Customers can pack sandwiches or bibimbap for outings to Jeju’s oreum hills or beaches, or bring chicken and fried items back to their rooms. “In a time when eating-out costs have become a burden, we raised both value and satisfaction so anyone can enjoy premium dishes prepared by five-star hotel chefs without 부담,” a company official said. “We will provide a wide range of dining experiences tailored to travel schedules and tastes.” Jeju Dream Tower, described by the company as a landmark for Jeju tourism, has 1,600 all-suite rooms and 14 food-and-beverage outlets staffed by global star chefs.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-27 17:45:30