"Rural Tourism Week" to Be Operated Year-Round
A Variety of Benefits Including Discounts and Special Events for Rural Tourism Products
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs announced on March 3 that it will expand the "Rural Tourism Week," which was run on a pilot basis last year, to operate throughout the year in 2026.
Rural Tourism Week is designed to encourage leisure and travel spending in rural areas and invigorate the local economy. It offers a variety of benefits, including discounts on rural tourism products and special events.
According to the Ministry, the pilot operation of Rural Tourism Week from August to November last year resulted in a significant increase in visitors to rural experience and recreation villages, as well as an increase in traffic to the comprehensive rural tourism portal, Wellchon. During the pilot period, discounts were offered on 489 tourism products. In addition, more than 2,000 people participated in related events such as a product review event and a short-form video contest, confirming strong public interest and engagement in rural tourism.
Building on these results, in 2026, Rural Tourism Week will be operated seasonally throughout the year, starting from March. Rural Tourism Week will be held regularly on the second week of each month, offering ongoing discounts on various rural tourism products and participatory events for the public.
In March, the comprehensive rural tourism portal Wellchon will sequentially update spring-themed rural tourism information on its website. Through seasonal rural travel content such as "Wellchon Pick" recommended destinations, the "Village of the Month," and the Star Village Stamp Tour, user convenience and accessibility will be enhanced.
From April onwards, discounts and events for tourism products will be significantly expanded. The Rural Tour Pass will be offered at a 30% discount, and review events will provide prizes. In addition, rural experience and accommodation products will be available at up to 30% off, with cashback benefits based on purchase amount. Visitors to the "Village of Excellence," which excels in experience, accommodation, and food, will also have the chance to win prizes through special events.
In particular, during Family Month in April and May, the ministry plans to actively stimulate demand for rural travel by expanding Rural Tourism Week in collaboration with related agencies such as the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism's "Travel Month" initiative, in order to increase public interest and operational effectiveness.
Park Sungwoo, Director General for Rural Policy at the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, stated, "Through Rural Tourism Week, we will continue to generate demand for rural tourism and provide tangible support for revitalizing local economies through increased rural tourism."
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