32.18 Million Expected to Travel During Chuseok Holiday...
40.9% of Koreans Planning Trips
Free Admission at Gyeongbokgung, Suwon Museum of Art, and More for Chuseok
With this year's Chuseok holiday stretching up to ten days, four out of ten people in Korea are planning to travel. Major domestic tourist attractions and cultural facilities are also drawing visitors by offering free admission. The travel industry is rolling out various discount promotions in hopes of capitalizing on the holiday season.
According to a survey by the Korea Transport Institute released on October 5, a total of 32.18 million people are expected to travel during this year's Chuseok holiday period, including those returning to their hometowns and those traveling for leisure. This represents an 8.2% increase compared to last year's Chuseok, which lasted six days. Of these, the highest number of travelers-9.33 million-are expected to be on the move on Chuseok day itself (October 6). Due to the extended holiday, travel is expected to be spread out, with the daily average number of travelers predicted to be 7.75 million, a 2% decrease from last year. The survey found that 40.9% of the population plans to travel during the Chuseok holiday, with 89.5% opting for domestic trips and 10.5% planning to travel abroad.
The Korea Tourism Organization is introducing domestic travel destinations to help people make the most of the Chuseok holiday. As this year's holiday is longer than usual, the list includes attractions that all generations can enjoy together, as well as tourist spots offering free admission on Chuseok day or during the holiday period.
Among the most popular sites offering free admission are the "Four Grand Palaces" (Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Deoksugung, and Changgyeonggung in Jongno-gu, Seoul), beloved by both domestic and international tourists; "Suwon Museum of Art" in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province, where families of all ages can enjoy themselves; and the "Korea National Arboretum" in Pyeongchang, Gangwon Province, which boasts over 1,700 species of native and rare plants.
Other attractions include "Wando Arboretum" in Wando, South Jeolla Province, which features an arboretum, lakeside decks, valley rest areas, and hiking trails; as well as the "National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art" (with locations in Seoul, Deoksugung, Gwacheon, and Cheongju), where visitors can view a diverse collection of works from the 1910s to the present. However, operating days and free admission periods vary by attraction, so it is recommended to check in advance before visiting.
On October 1, the Gyeonggi Tourism Organization recommended six "day-trip destinations in the Seoul metropolitan area" that are easy to visit and sure to shine during the Chuseok holiday.
Among them, "Cheonggyesan Clear Forest Park," located on the southern slope of Cheonggyesan Mountain, is a harmonious blend of forest and valley. A decked trail winds between tall trees, with a clean stream flowing alongside. True to its name, the air here is remarkably fresh.
At the upper end of the park stands Cheonggye Temple, an ancient temple dating back to the Unified Silla period, adding depth to a day trip. The temple's tiled roofs, steeped in history, and the sound of monks' wooden percussion instruments offer a moment of reflection and an opportunity to focus on oneself, away from everyday worries.
The Gwacheon branch of the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art is a hidden artistic retreat in the forest. Located on the northwestern slope of Cheonggyesan Mountain, the path to the museum itself is like a nature walk. It is also adjacent to Seoul Grand Park and the National Museum, and is easily accessible by subway.
The museum's permanent exhibitions are divided into "Korean Modern and Contemporary Art I" and "Korean Contemporary Art II." The first features more than 145 works created in the first half of the 20th century, while the second showcases over 120 works from the latter half of the 20th century. There are also galleries featuring works by emerging artists, making the scale of the exhibitions quite extensive.
The travel industry is also offering a variety of domestic travel promotions. Gmarket has prepared three special events under the "Autumn Travel" theme to help people enjoy domestic trips during this golden holiday period, which can last up to ten days.
First, until October 31, Gmarket is holding the "Traveling Autumn, Autumn Travel Special Exhibition" in partnership with the Korea Tourism Organization. The event brings together popular regional products such as "Naejangsan Autumn Train Trip" and "Gangwon/Gyeonggi Nature Healing Experience Trip," including accommodation packages, day trips, and tour passes, all in one place. Discount coupons of up to 50,000 won and stackable coupons are available, and a 10,000 won discount coupon can be used on domestic tourism venture products.
There is also the "Marine Tourism Product Discount Event," organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Tourism Organization. Running until October 31, this event features a variety of marine content such as romantic island trips, marine tourism facilities, and activities, all under the theme "Local Domestic Travel Recommended by Locals." Discount coupons of up to 50,000 won are available for day trips and one-night, two-day trips, and up to 70,000 won coupons for trips of two nights and three days or more.
In addition, in partnership with the Gangwon Tourism Foundation, Gmarket is hosting the "Gangwon Tourism Dure" special exhibition. This exclusive Gmarket event offers discount coupons of up to 50,000 won and introduces unique travel content planned and operated directly by local residents.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
