"Travelers Staying Overnight on an Island to Receive Up to KRW 100,000"—Advance Applications Open on the 8th

[Financial News] The government will provide up to KRW 100,000 in travel-expense support to autumn island travelers, covering lodging, food, ferry fares, and other costs. Advance applications open on the 8th.
The Ministry of the Interior and Safety (MOIS) announced on the 7th that, marking the 2026 Year of Island Visits, it will provide up to KRW 100,000 in travel-expense support to travelers visiting an island for at least one night from October 1 to November 4.
The program is being implemented for the second time, following its launch in July and August. The support period was set to coincide with the 2026 World Island Exhibition Yeosu Korea, which runs from September 5 to November 4, and the budget for islands in Yeosu was also increased.
Eligible applicants are travelers visiting islands that are not connected to the mainland and therefore require ferry travel. Applications may be submitted by groups.
Eligible expenses include actual lodging and food costs incurred on the island, ferry fares, and grocery purchases.
Advance applications will be accepted from 10 a.m. on the 8th until 6 p.m. on the 21st through the official website for the 2026 Year of Island Visits. If applications exceed the available support, recipients will be selected by lottery and notified individually by text message.
Applicants must complete their island trip after being selected to receive the subsidy. After the trip, they must submit supporting documents, such as round-trip ferry tickets and receipts. Following verification, they will receive up to KRW 100,000.
Visitors from outside Yeosu who travel to islands in Yeosu will receive an additional benefit. From September through December, Yeosu will subsidize 50% of ferry fares for residents of other regions visiting Yeosu’s islands. The program may close early if the relevant budget is exhausted.
Jin Myeong-gi, head of the Local Autonomy Innovation Office at MOIS, said, "Islands are places that everyone wants to visit at least once, but many people hesitate because of the cost. We will continue providing policy support so that islands can emerge as leading tourist destinations loved by the public."

[email protected] Lee Bo-mi Reporter