Korea Tourism Organization Seeks Local Governments for "Barrier-Free Tourism Environment Creation" Project

Up to 4 Billion KRW in National Funding Over Three Years
Applications Accepted Until September 30

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Tourism Organization announced on September 2 that they are accepting applications from metropolitan and basic local governments to participate in the "Barrier-Free Tourism Environment Creation" project, which aims to make travel enjoyable for everyone, until September 30.

The Korea Tourism Organization previously held separate calls for the "Accessible Tourism Destinations" project and the "Barrier-Free Tourism Connectivity Enhancement" project. However, to increase synergy and comprehensively improve the barrier-free travel environment, the organization announced that this year, the two projects will be integrated into a single call for applications.

The Accessible Tourism Destinations project aims to improve travel experiences and address mobility inconveniences so that everyone-regardless of disability, age, or gender-can fully enjoy the attractions of tourism. This year, a new "Accessible Tourism Destinations Plus" category has been introduced. Local governments with existing accessible tourism destinations or facilities certified as barrier-free (BF, Barrier Free) can apply if they introduce new travel content. Local governments selected through this call will receive national funding, as well as support for site-specific project consulting, promotion, and barrier-free tourism education. A total of 30 destinations, submitted by local governments, will be selected for the Accessible Tourism Destinations and Accessible Tourism Destinations Plus categories.

The Barrier-Free Tourism Connectivity Enhancement project expands on the concept of accessible tourism destinations by supporting improvements in accessibility for vulnerable groups, including transportation between tourist sites, and access to accommodation, food and beverage, and shopping facilities. One local government will be selected for this project, receiving up to 4 billion won (approximately 4 billion KRW) in national funding over three years, with the requirement that the selected local government matches at least 100% of the national funding with local funds.

Detailed information regarding the call for applications can be found on the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism website's announcement board and on the Korea Tourism Organization's "Accessible Tourism for All" website under the news section.

Seo Youngchung, Acting President of the Korea Tourism Organization, stated, "Barrier-free tourism is no longer a special consideration for a specific group, but a project to create an environment where everyone can enjoy travel equally." He added, "We hope to see active interest and participation from local governments across the country so that everyone in Korea can travel comfortably and freely."