“Travel Month” March: A Journey Full of Benefits to Uncover Local Wonders
Date Feb 15, 2024
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From February 20 to March 31: comprehensive benefits, including discounts on transportation and accommodations, as well as deals on domestic travel and budget-friendly tourist train routes
A collaboration involving over 200 entities, including local authorities, public agencies, and private organizations, aimed at providing various engaging activities
The 2024 “Travel Month” campaign will be expanded to occur biannually, in March and June
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (Minister YU In Chon, MCST), in partnership with the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO), is launching the “Travel Month” campaign from February 20 (Tue) to March 31 (Sun), aiming to inspire more citizens to explore and revitalize local communities. Last year’s “Travel Month” campaign led to approximately 1.03 million people benefitting from various discounts and embark on trips, resulting in a significant boost in tourism spending of around KRW 13.2 trillion in June alone. In light of these positive domestic revitalization effects, the campaign will now run twice a year, in March and June.
This year’s “Travel Month” slogan, “March: Rediscover Hidden Local Gems,” encourages exploration of the unseen attractions within regions. Focused on regions outside the capital area, “March Travel Month” offers substantial discounts on travel expenses, accommodation, and products and features special train trip events for just KRW 30,000, allowing travelers to experience the rich diversity of local destinations affordably.
Substantial Discounts, including Transportation Discounts of Up to 50%, KRW 30,000 Off Accommodations, and 40% Off Domestic Travel Products
Following last year’s positive response, approximately 180,000 travelers are expected to benefit from discounts on travel expenses for this year’s “Travel Month.” Combining purchases of travel products (such as accommodations and tickets) through Korail partner travel agencies and major online travel agencies allows up to 50% off KTX tickets on weekdays and 30% off on weekends and holidays. Additionally, discounts of up to 50% are available on 5 picturesque tourist train routes through the Korail app/website and on-site ticketing. Discounts for domestic flights to four regional destinations and car rentals enhance travel savings. The railway and car rental discounts are available from March 1, with prebooking starting on February 20. (Airfare discounts are available for booking and use from February 29) However, discounts are provided on a first-come, first-served basis until the allocated amount is reached.
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▲ Railway: ① Up to 50% off KTX fares on weekdays and 30% off on weekends and holidays when combined with purchasing accommodation / entry or experience ticket, benefiting 86,000 people. ② Up to 50% off on fares for five picturesque tourist train routes, benefiting 81,000 people. *West Gold Train (G-Train), South Coast Train (S-Train), East Sea & Santa Train, Baekdudaegan Mountain Range Canyon Train (V-Train), Jeongseon Arirang Train (A-Train) ▲ Airline: KRW 15,000 off for routes arriving at regional airports, benefiting 8,000 people *Applicable routes: Gimpo to Ulsan, Yeosu, Sacheon, Pohang, and Gyeongju ▲ Car rentals: 10% off in the capital area, 20% off outside, and 50% off in depopulated regions * Discount coupons are available on the official site of Travel Month. |
Following the first phase of accommodation discounts during the Lunar New Year holidays, the second phase is scheduled on February 7–25 with 90,000 vouchers. From February 27 (Tue) to March 31 (Sun), 110,000 vouchers offering a KRW 30,000 discount will be distributed for bookings over KRW 50,000 in regions outside the capital area.
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▲ Accommodation discount: KRW 30,000 off on online accommodation reservations on regions outside the capital areas priced above KRW 50,000. * Distribution Periods: (1st) February 7 to 25 (90,000 vouchers) and (2nd) February 27 to March 31 (110,000 vouchers) ** One voucher per person and phase until all vouchers are claimed. |
“Budget-friendly domestic travel products” that save both money and time are also worth noting. The “Exclusive Travel Deals” highlights over 90 discounted travel products from over 50 domestic travel agencies, including “2D1N Trip Along East Coast Route 7,” “Relaxing Jecheon Train Ride,” “2D1N Culture Trip to Andong with Mentor,” “Southern Culinary Tours,” and “Springtime Explorations in Gwangyang and Gurye,” available at 40% off.
Enchanting Day Trips by Train to 21 Small Towns and Hidden Tourist Sites
In addition, the “Monthly Travel Tracks in March” initiative invites around 1,700 tourists on day trips by train to 21 small towns across the country. This event offers one-day train trips to explore emerging hotspots, traditional culture, local specialties, and traditional markets with 23 curated experiences for a flat rate of KRW 30,000, covering transportation, meals, and admission to attractions. The dedicated train for “Destinations in March” runs every Friday and Saturday from March 8 until the end of the month, allowing four tickets per person. Further details are available on the “Travel Month” official site (korean.visitkorea.or.kr/travelmonth).
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▲ Train Trip Event: Participants are selected through an online event, with a participation fee of KRW 30,000. - Events Period: February 20 to March 17, accepting applications in three phases. * Winners will be announced on the website. - Travel Dates: March 8 (Fri), March 15 (Fri), March 16 (Sat), March 22 (Fri), March 23 (Sat), March 29 (Fri), March 30 (Sat) - Destinations: A total of 21 depopulation areas, including Samcheok, Taebaek, Goesan, Seocheon, Hadong, Gurye, Yeongju, and Andong |
Furthermore, travel discounts and diverse activities are prepared by over 200 local authorities and organizations, including spots highlighted as “Hidden Tourist Sites” and areas recognized as the 2023 “Stars of Korean Tourism,” such as Gyeongju Daereungwon Ancient Tomb, Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond, Yew Forest Trail in Pyeongchang’s Balwangsan Mountain, Imsil Cheese Theme Park, and Gangjin Culture and Tourism Foundation. All discounts are available until supplies lasts, and early reservations are recommended to align with travel plans.
Detailed information on the discounts, event schedules, and participation methods for “Travel Month” varies and is available on the official website (korean.visitkorea.or.kr/travelmonth). Checking conditions and early reservations are recommended due to limited availability. Searching for “Travel Month” on web portals also provides relevant information.
MCST Minister YU In Chon emphasized, “With rich benefits and programs designed to unveil regional beauty, we aim to make domestic travel more accessible for everyone. We hope you will rediscover the hidden gems of every corner of Korea this ‘Travel Month March.’”