Foreigners Get 40% Off KTX-Sancheon and Express Buses to Busan... 'K-Tour Pass' Pilot Operation

[Financial News] A pass combining transportation fare discounts and free admission to tourist attractions will be released for foreign tourists visiting Busan.
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST) announced on the 1st that, together with the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO), it will begin a pilot operation of the 'K-Tour Pass' exclusively for foreigners in Busan starting that day. This initiative is designed to enhance the convenience of regional travel for independent travelers.
In last year's survey of foreign tourists, the visit rate to Busan was 15.7%, ranking second after Seoul (76.8%). The gap between the two regions was 61.1 percentage points, meaning Busan's visit rate was about one-fifth of Seoul's.
The products are divided into a 1-day section ticket to Busan and a combined period ticket with the 2- to 5-day KORAIL Pass. The price for both is 15,000 won.
Purchasers of section tickets receive a 40% discount on one-way fares for KTX-Sancheon and express buses bound for Busan, and a 50% discount on one-way fares for the Airport Railroad Express. Discount benefits for purchasing a KORAIL Pass apply to period tickets.
Both products allow free entry to one of 35 affiliated paid tourist attractions in Busan. Additional discounts are provided at 50 partner merchants, including those offering experiences, sightseeing, and cafes.
Since the pass price does not include all transportation and admission fees, actual expenses vary depending on the mode of transportation and destinations chosen by the user.
Purchases can be made via the apps and websites of online travel agencies Klook and WEBTOUR (Hop & Hop). At the tourist attraction, simply present the admission barcode issued at the time of purchase.
Those interested can receive a physical card for free at kiosks at Incheon, Gimpo, and Gimhae International Airports, as well as at Seoul and Busan stations. It works by loading Korean won to pay subway and city bus fares or using it like a debit card.
You can top up at kiosks using Korean won cash or overseas credit cards, and on the app and web, only with overseas credit cards.
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST) plans to improve the service by reflecting the results of the pilot operation. It has allocated 9 billion won in the budget proposal to expand the project next year.
Kang Jeong-won, Director-General for Tourism Policy at the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST), said, "We plan to expand transportation and tourist attraction benefits in conjunction with the five major tourism zones centered on regional airports and encourage visits to the regions."

[email protected] Jang In-seo Reporter