A new smart tourism platform will allow visitors to explore the pristine areas of Gyeongsangbuk-do, including local restaurants and accommodations, using just a single QR code on their smartphones. This initiative aims to cater to the growing demand for wellness travel that has surged since the COVID-19 pandemic, shifting from traditional sightseeing to longer stays focused on healing experiences.
Korea Railroad Tourism Development announced on June 29 that it will officially launch the integrated forest tourism product, "2026 Gyeongbuk Forest Tour Pass" (referred to as Nolsoop Pass), on July 1, in collaboration with four cities and counties in the East Coast region: Pohang, Gyeongju, Yeongdeok, and Uljin.
The Nolsoop Pass embodies the meanings of "enjoyment (nol), healing (soop), and free passage (pass)." It is designed to allow tourists to access partner facilities and experience programs without the hassle of purchasing separate admission tickets, using only a mobile QR code.
◆ Upgraded to 'Stay-type Wellness' to Satisfy Day Trip Limitations
This year's Nolsoop Pass incorporates user feedback gathered during last year's pilot program. Responding to comments that "one day is not enough to explore Gyeongbuk's deep forests," the product has been completely revamped from a day-trip focus to a "stay-type wellness tourism product" that encourages visitors to stay for two nights or more.
The offering significantly enhances content aimed at physical and mental recovery, including temple stays for meditation and relaxation, trekking along the Nakdong River forest trails, and specialized forest healing programs.
Considering the geographical characteristics of Gyeongbuk, which involves long travel distances, a "time-based ticket" option has also been introduced. Travelers can choose between 48-hour and 72-hour passes tailored to their schedules.
◆ Enjoy Discounts Up to 70% and Local Business Connections
Purchasers of the Nolsoop Pass can access major programs, such as temple stays and forest healing, at discounts of up to 70%. Additionally, they will receive discounts at 40 designated partner establishments, including cafes, local restaurants, and accommodations in Pohang, Gyeongju, Yeongdeok, and Uljin, with ten businesses selected from each municipality.
Prior to the official launch, a trial tour was conducted on June 20 with 105 participants. They traveled from Busan's Bujeon Station to Gyeongju, Pohang, Yeongdeok, and Uljin over two days to assess the pass's convenience. Korea Railroad Tourism Development incorporated feedback from this process to enhance the product's quality.
The company plans to introduce an integrated package product by the end of July and a mobile package product linked to tourist taxis in early August, further improving travel convenience for visitors.
Lee Woo-hyun, acting CEO of Korea Railroad Tourism Development, stated, "The 2026 Nolsoop Pass is a stay-type forest tourism product that offers rich wellness content at reasonable prices. We expect this product to contribute to the revitalization of regional tourism and the expansion of forest tourism."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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