Tourists pose for a photo at Gyeongbok Palace in Gwanghwamun, Seoul, April 16. Yonhap
Korea is racing to turn a looming holiday travel surge into a nationwide tourism boost, rolling out discounts, events and targeted campaigns to draw visitors from Japan and China, despite rising airfares.
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism said Tuesday that it is launching a series of initiatives with the Korea Tourism Organization timed with Japan’s Golden Week, which began Tuesday and runs through May 6, and China’s Labor Day holiday, which begins Thursday and runs through May 5.
Officials expect between 180,000 and 200,000 visitors from the two countries during the period, including 80,000 to 90,000 from Japan and 100,000 to 110,000 from China, the ministry said.
The campaign aims to spread tourism beyond Seoul by highlighting regional destinations and offering incentives tailored to different traveler groups.
For Japanese tourists, particularly families, the government is working with airlines including Jin Air and Air Busan to offer airfare discounts of 1,000 to 2,000 yen per person and additional baggage allowances of up to 5 kilograms. Discount vouchers for duty-free shops and department stores will also be provided.
In southwestern Japan, a campaign targeting Kyushu residents is promoting travel to Busan, with discounted flights and ferry tickets, as well as cruise packages offering fireworks and sunset programs at 40 to 50 percent off.
Promotional events will also take place in Japan. A K-tourism roadshow is scheduled Wednesday in Fukuoka, featuring a performance by K-pop artist Hwang Min-hyun. A special television program will air Thursday in Osaka, showcasing Korean fashion, beauty and food trends.
For Chinese travelers, welcome booths will be set up at Gimhae International Airport, offering interactive events and travel incentives to encourage repeat visits. Additional airline discounts are planned in partnership with Hong Kong Express.
This article was published with the assistance of generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.
