Culture Ministry and Tourism Agency Launch Two-Month "Spring for Travel" Drive: "Enjoy the Full Charm of Domestic Travel"

The government will run the "Spring for Travel 2026" campaign nationwide in April and May to boost domestic tourism.
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST) announced on the 16th that, together with the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO), it will carry out the "Spring for Travel 2026" campaign over the two months of April and May. By combining discounts on transportation, accommodation, and travel products with a variety of tourism programs, the campaign aims to ease costs for the public and encourage people to enjoy domestic trips.
Under the slogan "Travel differently, reach every corner," the campaign is designed to revitalize local tourism across the country. It also serves as a follow-up measure to strengthen regional tourism policy after the expanded National Tourism Strategy Meeting held on February 25.

In transportation, the focus is on discounts for rail and air travel. Travelers who purchase the Korea Railroad Corporation (KORAIL) free-travel product for depopulated areas can receive a discount voucher worth 100% of the train fare. The voucher is issued when travelers visit designated tourist destinations and verify their visit.
Five themed trains, including the West Gold Train and the S-Train, will offer 50% discounts on fares. The Naeilro Pass, a rail pass popular with young travelers, will be discounted by 20,000 won. These rail discounts will be available from April 1 to May 31 and are expected to benefit about 90,000 people.
Support is also planned for air travelers. Those who purchase domestic round-trip tickets through Naver Flights will receive Naver Pay points worth 5,000 won per person, up to a maximum of 20,000 won. A total of 70,000 people can benefit, and the discount period runs from April 1 to May 31, the same as for rail.
In the accommodation sector, the "Spring 2026 Lodging Discount Festa" will distribute about 100,000 discount vouchers for accommodations outside the Seoul metropolitan area. For stays costing 70,000 won or more, 30,000 won will be discounted, and for stays under 70,000 won, 20,000 won will be discounted. The vouchers will be issued on a first-come, first-served basis, one per person, through online travel agencies starting at 10 a.m. on April 8, and can be used until April 30.
This year, long-stay tourism will be encouraged through the introduction of multi-night discount vouchers. For stays of at least two nights and three days, guests will receive a 70,000 won discount on bookings of 140,000 won or more, and a 50,000 won discount on bookings under 140,000 won. Around 10,000 of these vouchers will be distributed.
The "Local Love Vacation Support" program will also run in parallel to boost regional tourism. Travelers visiting Pyeongchang County, Gangwon State; Yeongwol County; Hoengseong County; Jecheon; Gochang County; Gangjin County; Yeonggwang County; Haenam County; Goheung County; Wando; Yeongam County; Miryang; Hadong County; Hapcheon County; Geochang County; and Namhae County will receive a refund of 50% of their travel expenses in the form of mobile local gift certificates. Individuals can receive up to 100,000 won, while groups of two or more can receive up to 200,000 won.

Discounts on travel packages are also planned. Domestic travel products sold on special promotion pages on Gmarket and Lotte ON will be discounted by up to 40%, with a maximum discount of 50,000 won. These products can be used from April 1 to May 29.
In May, the "Month of Going to the Sea" campaign will offer discounts on marine tourism. Coastal accommodations will be discounted by up to 30,000 won per night, and multi-night stays will receive discounts of up to 50,000 won. Marine leisure products will be offered at 30% off the payment amount.
Benefits are also available for workers. Participants in the Worker Vacation Support Program can receive discounts of up to 50%, capped at 30,000 won, on travel products such as accommodation and transportation purchased through the Vacation Shop online mall. Workers who book accommodation products in Jeonbuk State will receive an additional local currency gift certificate worth up to 30,000 won that can be used in the region.
Experiential programs are also being prepared. The "Five People, Five Styles Preference Trips" with influencers will offer 25 travel products across 25 regions under five themes—food, solo travel, running, photography, and reading—providing participation opportunities for about 1,000 people.
In addition, the "Korea 100×100 Hidden Attractions Project" will be held to select must-visit spots recommended by 100 travel experts through a public vote. The nationwide vote is scheduled for May.
Local governments and institutions across the country will also join the campaign. Dong District, Gwangju will offer food, beverage, and accommodation discounts to users of the Gwangju Art Pass, while Yeongwol County will provide up to 50% off admission fees to tourist attractions such as Cheongnyeongpo.
rsunjun@fnnews.com Yoo Sun-joon Reporter