Korea Tourism Organization to Recruit Additional 20,000 Workers for 'Holiday Support Project'

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Donghyun] The Korea Tourism Organization announced on the 16th that it will recruit an additional 20,000 workers to participate in the ‘Worker Vacation Support Project.’

Introduced to revitalize the domestic economy and improve vacation culture, the Worker Vacation Support Project allows workers to pay 200,000 KRW, with companies and the government each contributing 100,000 KRW, accumulating a total of 400,000 KRW to be used for domestic travel expenses. This year, aiming to recruit 100,000 participating workers, about 80,000 have applied since the project began on May 12.

The support targets workers of mid-sized companies, small and medium enterprises, small business owners, non-profit private organizations, social welfare corporations and facilities, and medical corporations. Small business owners and representatives of social welfare corporations and facilities can also participate. Applications must be submitted by companies through the project website, and participation is possible even if only some workers within the company apply, not necessarily all employees.

Participating workers can use about 100,000 products from 40 companies on the dedicated online mall ‘Vacation Shop,’ including hotels, theme parks, airlines, rental cars, as well as performances, camping and leisure goods, and dining vouchers. The accumulated funds can be used until February next year, and unused balances can be fully refunded except for the government’s contribution.

Starting in November, various events such as additional point rewards and travel product discounts are being held on Vacation Shop for participants. Through the ‘Regional Tourism Product Discount Promotion,’ jointly conducted by the Korea Tourism Organization, Gangwon-do, Gyeongsangbuk-do, and Incheon Metropolitan City, purchasing regional travel products offers discounts of up to 50% per person, up to 100,000 KRW. Since the promotion lasts until the budget is exhausted, it is advisable to act quickly. Additionally, the ‘Safe Travel Pledge Event,’ conducted to promote safe travel culture including quarantine measures, will select 3,000 participants by lottery to receive an additional 10,000 points each.

Detailed information about participating in the project can be found on the website, official Instagram, YouTube channel, or by contacting the dedicated support center.

Since its launch in 2018, the Worker Vacation Support Project, now in its fourth year, has involved about 200,000 workers from approximately 20,000 companies. The number of participating workers grew from 20,000 (2,441 companies) in 2018 to about 96,000 (11,931 companies) in 2020. Satisfaction is high, with over 80% expressing willingness to re-participate or recommend the program. Participating companies also receive various benefits such as additional points and recognition when applying for government certifications like family-friendly certification, leisure-friendly certification, and performance-sharing systems.