Selected for the “2026 Local Love Vacation Support Pilot Project” by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism
50% of travel expenses reimbursed in mobile local currency
Geochang County in South Gyeongsang Province is launching a so-called "half-price travel" project, which reimburses half of travelers' expenses, to attract tourists.
On March 3, the county announced that it has been selected for the "2026 Local Love Vacation Support Pilot Project" hosted by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and Korea Tourism Organization, securing a total project budget of 1 billion won, including 300 million won in national funding.
A total of 16 local governments nationwide have been named for this project. The "Local Love Vacation Support Pilot Project" is designed to encourage spending within the region by reimbursing half of the travel expenses in mobile local currency to tourists visiting areas experiencing population decline. The project was modeled after the "half-price travel" initiative in Gangjin County, Jeollanam-do.
The operation method is relatively simple. Those planning to visit apply in advance, and after traveling to Geochang County, they submit receipts for accommodation, food and beverages, and tourism experiences. They then receive 50% of their spending back as mobile local currency.
The reimbursement limit is up to 100,000 won per person and up to 200,000 won for groups of two or more. The reimbursed local currency must be used at affiliated stores within Geochang County before the end of this year.
The county plans to launch the program in earnest starting in April, following preliminary preparations such as establishing a dedicated website and building a database of affiliated stores that accept mobile local currency.
Geochang County intends for this project to go beyond a simple discount policy, aiming to expand it into a stay-type tourism model linked with the region's travel routes. The county's strategy is to disperse tourist traffic throughout the "four regional tourism belts" established last year-East, West, South, and North zones-so that visitors naturally contribute to local businesses.
The eastern zone features a "wellness healing" course centered on the Y-shaped suspension bridge and family hot springs, while the western zone offers a "four-season nature experience" course connecting Suseungdae and Geumwonsan Natural Recreation Forest.
In the southern zone, the "garden and historical tourism" course is centered around Geochang Changpowon, the first local garden in Gyeongnam, and Byeol Baram Hill. The northern zone's highlight is an "outdoor experience" course centered around the Forest Leisure Sports Park, which features a treetop observatory.
County Governor Koo Inmo stated, "We hope this project will provide an opportunity for tourists nationwide to visit Geochang," adding, "We will prepare to ensure that the revitalization of the tourism industry leads to a virtuous cycle that energizes the local economy."
Meanwhile, Geochang County has declared 2026 as the "Visit Geochang Year" and is pursuing various tourism policies with the goal of attracting 10 million visitors. Under the vision of "A place for year-round healing, an inspiring journey to Geochang," the county is striving to become a stay-type tourism destination that combines nature, relaxation, and experiential activities.
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