The South Korean government has launched the “2026 Traveling Autumn” campaign, running from October 1 to November 30, to boost domestic tourism and ease financial burdens on travelers, according to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Tourism Organization.
Transportation Discounts and Population-Decline Region Incentives
Travelers exploring designated population-decline areas can secure various transit incentives through official mobility platforms. According to the Korea Tourism Organization, motorists using the Tmap navigation app who set an official population-decline region as their destination, complete an eco-friendly safety travel pledge, and drive over 30 kilometers can earn up to 3만 티맵 포인트. Additional points apply for electric vehicle drivers, digital tourist ID holders, and video review submissions.
Rail and aviation options also feature prominently in the campaign. Korea Railroad Corporation (Korail) is offering 100% fare discount vouchers for travelers who visit designated tourist spots across 41 participating population-decline areas and verify their visits. Five themed train routes offer 50% discounts, while “Railro Passes” come with a 2만 원 discount. For air travel, purchasing domestic round-trip tickets via Naver yields Naver Pay points—10,000 won per person for inland routes and 5,000 won for Jeju routes, applicable to up to four people per reservation.
Coastal vehicle rentals receive support as well. Throughout October, travelers renting hybrid, electric, or LPG vehicles for 24 hours or longer in 64 non-metropolitan coastal cities, counties, and districts receive a 10,000-won discount, extending to a 20,000-won reduction for rentals exceeding 48 hours. Jeju rentals offer 5,000-won and 10,000-won discounts respectively.
Accommodation Vouchers and Regional Expense Refunds
Non-metropolitan accommodation vouchers totaling 약 8만 장 became available through online travel agencies starting September 22, valid for use through November 8. Newly introduced island accommodation vouchers grant a 50,000-won discount for bookings priced at 70,000 won or higher, and a 30,000-won discount for stays under 70,000 won. Campers can access 10,000-won discounts at registered campgrounds via platforms like Camping Talk and Campfit for stays spanning October and November.
Thirteen local governments participate in the “Regional Love Vacation Support” program, refunding 50% of travel expenses—up to 10만 원 per person, or 청년은 14만 원 for young adults—via mobile regional love gift certificates. Travelers must apply for approval prior to the trip and submit spending receipts afterward.
Additional Cultural Programs and Partner Promos
Gmarket has featured online travel product discounts of up to 50% (capped at 50,000 won) since September 21, and participants in the “Workers’ Vacation Support” scheme can access similar rates through the Vacation Shop mall. Institutional partners have also joined the initiative; Daegu has lowered urban tour loop line fares by 30%, the Cultural Corps of Korean Buddhism is hosting temple stays in November, and the Korea Rural Community Corporation is discounting rural tour passes by up to 50%.
Related reading