The South Korean government, in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Ministry of Economy and Finance, has introduced a new policy to address population decline in rural areas. The ‘Regional Love Vacation Support (Half-Price Travel)’ pilot program aims to stimulate local tourism and economic activity by offering substantial travel cost refunds. This initiative is designed to encourage domestic travel to regions experiencing demographic challenges, supporting both local businesses and community revitalization. The program is being implemented for the first time in 2024, reflecting a strategic response to concerns about rural depopulation.
The policy directly impacts travelers aged 18 and above who visit designated rural municipalities. Eligible participants can apply for approval before their trip, submit proof of travel expenses, and receive a refund of 50% of their costs in the form of mobile regional vouchers. Individual travelers may receive up to 100,000 KRW, while groups of two or more can claim up to 200,000 KRW. The vouchers must be used within the year at local merchants or online stores selling regional specialties, ensuring that the economic benefits remain within the target communities.
The pilot program will run from April to the end of June 2024, following the selection of 16 municipalities from an initial pool of 84 candidates. Additional regions will be added in the second half of the year, with four more municipalities to be selected. The government plans to review the outcomes of this pilot phase and expand the program in 2025. Participants are advised to check the ‘Korea Travel’ website (visitkorea.or.kr) for details on eligible regions, application periods, and specific requirements, as these may vary by municipality.
Applicants must submit their travel plans for approval and provide expense documentation to qualify for the refund. The regional vouchers can only be used within the designated areas or online platforms selling local products. Frequently asked questions include: How do travelers apply for the subsidy? They must register their travel plans with the local government and submit proof of expenses after their trip. What is the maximum refund amount? Individuals can receive up to 100,000 KRW, and groups up to 200,000 KRW, with refunds issued as mobile vouchers.
The ‘Regional Love Vacation Support’ pilot is a strategic policy to counter rural depopulation by boosting tourism and local spending. By refunding half of travel expenses as mobile vouchers, the government ensures that economic gains stay within the target communities. The program’s phased rollout and clear eligibility criteria provide a controlled environment for evaluating its impact. If the pilot proves effective, it could become a scalable solution for regional revitalization efforts.