Korea Tourism Organization Launches Special Travel Package to Support Wildfire-Affected Areas

The Korea Tourism Organization announced on June 23 that it has launched a special travel package, "Friday with Travel, a Special Trip to Yeongdeok," to support areas affected by wildfires.

This special travel package was developed as part of the "Travel that Revives Local Communities, Companion that Connects Hearts" campaign, which the organization is promoting to support the swift recovery of wildfire-affected regions.

The organization explained that more than 50 people who purchased the "Friday with Travel, a Special Trip to Yeongdeok" package visited Yeongdeok on a one-night, two-day itinerary starting on June 20. Participants traveled by chartered bus to enjoy the atmosphere of various locations in Yeongdeok, including the Yeonghae Manse Market and the Gwaesi-ri Traditional Village. They were also provided with Onnuri gift certificates, which they used to enjoy local food at traditional markets.

Participants who purchased the "Friday with Travel, a Special Trip to Yeongdeok" product are taking commemorative photos at the Metasequoia Forest in Beolyeong-ri, Yeongdeok, Gyeongbuk.
Photo by Korea Tourism Organization

The special travel package, "Friday with Travel, a Special Trip to Yeongdeok," was planned for participants in the Employee Vacation Support Program.

Under the Employee Vacation Support Program, when an employee saves 200,000 won, the government and the employee's company each contribute 100,000 won, providing a total of 400,000 won in domestic travel vouchers. Employees can use the dedicated online mall, "Hugashop," to purchase domestic travel products until the end of the year.

Companies wishing to participate in the Employee Vacation Support Program can apply through the official website. Eligible applicants include small and medium-sized enterprises, small business owners, nonprofit private organizations, and social welfare corporations. Applications will be accepted until government funding is exhausted. Currently, the number of applicants for the Employee Vacation Support Program has exceeded 130,000, and approximately 20,000 additional participants are being recruited.

Kang Gyusang, head of the Tourism Welfare and Safety Center at the Korea Tourism Organization, stated, "Since its launch in 2018, the Employee Vacation Support Program has seen participation from more than 70,000 small and medium-sized enterprises and over 670,000 employees. According to survey results, 55.2% of participants enjoyed domestic travel that they had not planned before thanks to this support program, and the overall response has been very positive. The organization will continue to offer special travel packages such as 'Friday with Travel' to further enhance participant satisfaction."