May Is the "Month of Visiting the Sea"... Discounts on Coastal Accommodation and Marine Tourism

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, together with the Korea Tourism Organization, will launch the "Month of Visiting the Sea" campaign throughout May.

The "Month of Visiting the Sea" initiative was established to discover diverse marine tourism resources in coastal and fishing village areas and to revitalize the domestic economy through marine tourism. The campaign will showcase the vibrant appeal of Korea's marine tourism through a range of travel benefits, region-specific marine tourism content, and special events.

Starting April 22 and running through May, accommodation discount vouchers (up to 30,000 won) and leisure/entrance ticket discount vouchers (up to 15,000 won) will be available for use in 79 coastal local governments (cities, counties, and districts). To help travelers unfamiliar with marine tourism enjoy it easily without prior preparation, a "Marine Tourism Package Discount Event" will also be held. More than 80 marine tourism products, such as the "Northernmost Island Tour of the West Sea," "Three-Day Premium Trip to the Dadohae Region," "Shinan Island Santiago 12 Apostles Pilgrimage Trail," and "Wando Sea is the Best Medicine! Healing Trip," will be offered at a 30% discount (up to 50,000 won), allowing visitors to easily explore islands and seas across the country.

Additionally, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, in cooperation with the domestic branches of the Korea Tourism Organization, will identify unique marine resources in eight regions and promote them as tourism content through this campaign. The campaign will introduce tourism products that connect each region's representative marine tourism themes and resources?such as ecology, accessible tourism, local culture (fishing villages), islands, nighttime activities, pet-friendly options, and wellness?aiming to create attractive marine tourism destinations that people want to visit year-round.

Under the theme "Endless Waves of Culinary Delights," the "Chef's Sea Table" event will be held in Korea's leading coastal cities: Yeosu (May 17) and Busan (May 24). Chefs Ahn Yuseong and Kim Miryung, known from the popular OTT series "Black and White Chef," will present special dinners featuring local ingredients from Yeosu and Busan.

In line with the "Month of Visiting the Sea" campaign, the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries will operate "Sea Week" nationwide to commemorate the 30th Sea Day (May 31). Meaningful programs will be offered, including nine regional festivals such as the "Busan Port Festival," leisure sports programs like yacht experiences, "Museum Alive" events such as late-night movie screenings and camping at marine museums and science centers, and more than 100 marine cleanup activities at beaches and ports across the country, allowing people to enjoy and protect the sea. Detailed information about "Sea Week" can be found on the Marine Education Portal website.

Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Yoo Inchon stated, "Marine tourism is a new growth engine for regional tourism, and I believe that Korea, surrounded on three sides by the sea, possesses more unique and beautiful marine tourism resources than any other country in the world. I hope this campaign will allow all our citizens to fully immerse themselves in the endless charm of marine tourism."

Minister of Oceans and Fisheries Kang Dohyeong said, "Each of the 79 coastal local governments in our country boasts its own unique scenery and attractions. I hope this campaign will provide an opportunity for our citizens to enjoy and appreciate the sea more closely, along with a variety of marine content such as marine ecology, wellness, and leisure."