Launch of the First Open Travel Week: Supporting Travel for All

Apr 17, 2025

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (Minister Yu In Chon, MCST), in collaboration with the Korea Tourism Organization (Acting President Seo Young Choong, KTO) and the Korea Tourism Association (Chairman Lee Kyung Soo, KTA), announced it will host the inaugural Open Travel Week from April 14–20. This initiative is designed to offer practical and meaningful travel opportunities to people who could not fully enjoy their basic travel rights — known as the “tourism vulnerable” — and to raise public awareness of barrier-free travel through a range of barrier-free tour experiences, packages, and benefits.

Worldwide Korean Cultural Centers Take the Lead in Promoting Traditional Korean Culture

Apr 14, 2025

26 Korean Cultural Centers, in 25 countries around the world, are preparing to host a wide range of cultural events throughout the year—incorporating hanbok, crafts, traditional performances, and cuisine. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (Minister YU In Chon, MCST), in collaboration with the National Gugak Center, the Korean Food Promotion Institute, the Korean Foundation for International Cultural Exchange, local governments, and overseas local cultural and arts institutions, will all coordinate events.

The Growing Popularity and Diversification of Hallyu

Apr 08, 2025

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (Minister YU In Chon, MCST) in collaboration with the Korean Foundation for International Cultural Exchange (President PARK Chang Sik, KOFICE), released the results of the 2025 Overseas Hallyu Survey (as of 2024), which highlights the usage and perception of Hallyu (also known as the Korean Wave) content overseas. In this year’s survey, the Philippines and Hong Kong were added to the survey target regions and the sample size was expanded from 700–1,600 to 700–2,100 per region.

Korea Expands Cruise Departures from Domestic Ports

Apr 03, 2025

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (Minister YU In Chon, MCST) and the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries (Minister KANG Do Hyung, MOF), in collaboration with the Jeju Special Self-Governing Province (Governor OH Young Hun, Jeju) announced that Gangjeong Port in Jeju will officially begin operations as a “semi-home port” from May this year. Enabling passengers to board cruise vessels departing directly overseas, the initiative is a core element of the “Cruise Tourism Revitalization Plan” announced in June last year, and specifically aligns with its key strategy: “Proactive Development of Domestic Home and Semi-home Port Cruise Packages”.

Promote the Charms of Korea Together with Foreign Residents

Apr 03, 2025

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (Minister YU In Chon, MCST), in collaboration with the Korea International Broadcasting Foundation (President KIM Tae Jeong, KIBT), plans to host “The Senses of K-Culture 2025: Flavors, Style and Relaxation,” a project featuring five events from April to October. In this project, foreigners residing in Korea will visit major K-culture spots and enjoy cultural experiences in Gimpo, Ganghwa and other locales, and share their experiences to promote the charms of Korea throughout the world.