Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to Operate '2021 Travel Month' Until the End of This Month

[Asia Economy Reporter Donghyun Choi] The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism announced that, in collaboration with related organizations such as the Korea Tourism Organization and the Korea Tourism Association, it will operate the "2021 Travel Month" from the 8th to the 30th in line with the phased daily recovery. This integrates the previously biannual two-week "Travel Week" held each spring and autumn into a single event to help the tourism industry recover from the damage caused by COVID-19 and to enable citizens to normalize safe travel.

First, considering the ongoing COVID-19 situation, the Ministry plans to focus on spreading a safe travel culture by thoroughly managing quarantine measures at tourist sites in cooperation with related organizations. A safe travel campaign will be conducted for both travelers visiting regions and tourism workers who meet them at tourism contact points. Additionally, 3,000 quarantine personnel will be deployed at major tourist destinations nationwide to inspect quarantine and safety at tourist sites and facilities. Currently, quarantine supplies are being provided to about 5,000 locations including hotels, condos, and amusement facilities, and the safe travel campaign, deployment of quarantine personnel, and supply of quarantine materials will continue until the end of the year. Alongside this, non-face-to-face safe tourist destinations where tourists can enjoy while practicing social distancing will be recommended, and regional travel programs will be conducted.

In particular, during "Travel Month," discounts will be offered on transportation, accommodation, and travel. Korea Railroad Corporation (KORAIL) will sell special-priced (20-40% discount) tourism products combining round-trip high-speed rail (KTX) tickets and tourist site admission tickets to 18,000 people during the "Travel Month." For four tourist train lines including the West Sea Geumbit Train and Namdo Marine Train, tickets will be sold at a 50% discounted price to 22,000 people. The Korea Express Bus Transport Association (Kobus) will sell "Travel Month Express Bus Free Passes (3-day to 7-day)" allowing unlimited use of express buses during the event period to 10,000 people at a discounted price of 35,000 KRW each. Online domestic accommodation reservations will offer discount coupons: 20,000 KRW off for bookings under 70,000 KRW and 30,000 KRW off for bookings over 70,000 KRW. Package travel products can receive up to a 40% discount (maximum 160,000 KRW). Additionally, special discount events will continue at various tourist sites such as amusement facilities and campgrounds, as well as travel agencies and accommodation providers.

Online events have also been prepared. By participating in various online events held on the "Travel Month" website and social media channels, participants can win prizes such as national tourism gift certificates through a lottery. More detailed information about the "Travel Month" schedule, regional travel programs, and discount benefits can be found on the official website.

A Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism official stated, "With the phased daily recovery underway, we are implementing 'Travel Month' to heal the bodies and minds of citizens tired from COVID-19 through travel and to support the rapid recovery of the domestic tourism industry facing difficulties. We have prepared various discounts and events in transportation, accommodation, and travel, and we hope everyone will participate in spreading a safe travel culture by enjoying travel while adhering to quarantine rules."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.