Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Metropolitan City Launches Nation's First Half-Price Island Travel Program... 50% of Travel Costs Reimbursed, Up to 100,000 Won Per Person

[Financial News Jeonnam-Gwangju = Reporter Hwang Tae-jong] Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Metropolitan City (Gwangju Metropolitan City) has launched the nation's first "Half-Price Island Travel" program, reimbursing 50% of travel expenses, up to 100,000 won per person, in mobile local currency for visitors to 16 islands in eight cities and counties through November 4.
According to Gwangju Metropolitan City on the 30th, the program is designed to boost island tourism and increase longer stays and spending in the region as part of the "2026 Jeonnam-Gwangju Year of Island Visits" and the "2026 Yeosu World Island Exhibition." The islands covered include Dalido and Oedaldo in Mokpo; Hahwado, Sado, Port Hamilton, Gaedo Island and Geumodo Island in Yeosu; Aedo Island and Yeonhong Island in Goheung County; Jangdo Island in Boseong County; Gaudo Island in Gangjin County; Songido Island in Yeonggwang County; Gwanmaedo in Jindo Island; and Heuksando Island, Purple Islands and Jeungdo in Sinan County.
Tourists who visit the islands and spend on lodging, food, experiences and other travel-related expenses will receive 50% of their spending back, up to 100,000 won per person, in mobile local currency. The reimbursed currency can then be used at affiliated stores or local online malls when they revisit the area.
Oh Mi-kyung, head of the tourism division at Gwangju Metropolitan City, said, "We hope visitors to the Yeosu World Island Exhibition will not stop at the exhibition itself, but also take time to explore the many islands of Jeonnam-Gwangju." She added, "We will do our best to operate the program so that 'Half-Price Island Travel' eases the burden on travelers and encourages them to return to the islands of Jeonnam-Gwangju."
Tourists who wish to participate can apply through the Jeonnam-Gwangju tourism platform, the JG TOUR app, up to five days before their trip begins. They must register an ID that can verify their place of residence and receive approval before joining.
During the trip, they can pay at affiliated restaurants, cafes and experience facilities using the local currency app of the city or county where the island is located, such as Chak. If they spend at least 30,000 won on the island, spending at affiliated merchants in the city or county where the island belongs will also be recognized.
After the trip, they can apply for reimbursement within 10 days through the Jeonnam-Gwangju tourism platform, the JG TOUR app. After verifying the local currency usage history and proof of tourism-related spending, authorities will review eligibility and reimburse 50% of the spending amount in mobile local currency.

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