Take the Train to Watch Football... Korea Tourism Organization Launches 'K League Trip Day'

The Korea Tourism Organization announced on April 15 that it will be conducting a pilot launch in May of the "K League Trip Day" travel package, which combines K League match viewing with local stays, in collaboration with KORAIL Tourism Development and the Korea Professional Football League.

Hana Cityzen fans are cheering during the Round 2 match of the Hana Bank K League 1 2025 between Daejeon Hana Citizen and Ulsan Hyundai at Daejeon World Cup Stadium. Photo by Yonhap News

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This package focuses on connecting demand for match attendance via train travel with local stays and consumption. The organization plans to operate two types of packages: a same-day trip for away fans and a free-form stay package for home fans residing in other regions.

The same-day trip, targeting away football fans, is tailored around Daejeon Hana Cityzen's home games. Trains will run from Yongsan Station to Seodaejeon Station in line with the Incheon match on May 5 and the Seoul match on May 16.

Two ITX train cars will be reserved exclusively for away fans, featuring a cheering back wall and club character souvenirs inside the train. The itinerary also includes visits to local businesses, such as bakery tours, before and after the match. A total of 240 participants, with 120 per session, will be recruited, and the package can be purchased for about 80,000 won after discounts.

A free-form stay package for home fans living in other regions will also be offered. This package targets the May home matches of Jeonbuk Hyundai, Ulsan Hyundai, Daejeon Hana Cityzen, and Gangwon FC, which have strong KTX connectivity. It includes round-trip KTX tickets from Seoul, accommodation, and premium match tickets, along with events such as a high-five with the players and a stadium tour.

Buyers of the travel packages will receive a discount of up to 50,000 won per person. Each person can purchase up to four tickets.

Kang Yooyoung, Head of the Regional Tourism Development Team at the Korea Tourism Organization, stated, "This sports-themed travel package is a new attempt to connect sports fans' match attendance with local stays and local business consumption," adding, "We will continue to expand various stay-type travel programs that combine sports and tourism in the future."

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