Travel to the islands of Jeonnam-Gwangju by Dec. 15 and get 50% of your expenses refunded

【Financial News, Jeonnam-Gwangju = Hwang Tae-jong】Travelers can get 50% of their expenses refunded when visiting islands in the Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Special City (Gwangju Special City) through December 15.
 Gwangju Special City said on the 9th that it has decided to extend the operating period of its ‘Jeonnam-Gwangju Half-Price Island Travel’ program, which aims to boost island tourism and increase visitor numbers, from its original end date of November 4 through December 15.
 The aim is to sustain demand for island tourism even after the 2026 Yeosu World Island Expo closes, and to boost local tourism and spending by encouraging visitors to travel to the islands through late fall and early winter.
 Oh Mi-gyeong, head of Gwangju Special City’s Tourism Policy Division, said, “The extension of ‘Half-Price Island Travel’ is intended to allow more tourists to visit the beautiful islands without financial strain,” and emphasized, “In particular, the focus is on making travel more convenient.”
 The ‘Jeonnam-Gwangju Half-Price Island Travel’ program supports 21 islands located in eight cities and counties: Mokpo, Yeosu, Goheung County, Boseong County, Gangjin County, Yeonggwang County, Jindo County and Sinan County.
 Tourists who live outside these areas will receive a refund of 50% of the travel expenses they incur when visiting eligible islands, up to 100,000 won per person, in mobile local gift certificates.
 In particular, Gwangju Special City added five islands—Sonjukdo, Chodo Island, Ando, Yeondo and Yeojado—in connection with the 2026 Yeosu World Island Expo, broadening the choices available to tourists.
 In addition, once visitors verify their island trip, travel expenses spent at affiliated businesses in the area to which the island belongs also qualify for reimbursement, helping spread tourist spending throughout the region.
 Tourists wishing to participate should apply in advance through the integrated tourism platform ‘JG TOUR’ and travel to the islands after receiving approval from the relevant city or county. After their trip, they can submit a settlement application and receive the refund in mobile local gift certificates. Travel is permitted through December 15, and settlement applications may be submitted through December 18.
 Oh Mi-gyeong, head of the Tourism Policy Division, said, “I hope visitors will enjoy the unique natural scenery, culture and food of each island in Jeonnam-Gwangju, and that their trips will bring vitality to both local residents and tourists.”

[email protected] Hwang Tae-jong Reporter