The Ministry of the Interior and Safety headquarters at Government Complex Sejong / Yonhap
Seeking to bolster economies in its more remote regions, the Ministry of the Interior and Safety designated 2026 as the Year of Island Visits and said Monday it will offer travelers subsidies of up to 100,000 won ($72) to encourage tourism across the country’s various island communities.
The initiative is the first of its kind and represents a broader effort to draw national attention to the tourism potential of Korea’s archipelagos. By increasing visitor traffic, officials hope to support balanced regional development in areas that often sit in the shadow of major urban centers.
According to the ministry, the subsidies will be available for tourists who stay at least one night on an island during the peak summer months of July and August. The program will also coincide with the 2026 World Island Exhibition Yeosu Korea, an international event running from Sept. 5 through Nov. 4. A dedicated website,www.visitisland.kr, is scheduled to launch on May 18 to provide application details and eligibility criteria.
The national program is being paired with a local campaign in South Jeolla Province, which is offering a matching subsidy of 100,000 won. To further incentivize travel, the Korea Tourism Organization will host a discounted accommodation event in September.
To mark the launch, Vice Minister of the Interior and Safety Kim Min-jae attended a ceremony in Yeosu Saturday. The event featured a group of campaign ambassadors chosen by island residents, including celebrity chef Jeong Ji-seon and comedian Yoon Taek, both of whom visited local communities ahead of the proclamation.
As part of a long-term strategy to build lasting ties with these regions, the ministry also plans to issue digital residency certificates under a "One Person, One Island" campaign. This effort will expand an existing travel certification program that currently covers 88 islands selected annually for their unique cultural or natural appeal.
This article was published with the assistance of generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.
Source: Korea Times News
