Free train fares, lodging coupons await travelers this fall in Korea

Train fares reimbursed in full, some 80,000 lodging discount coupons and up to 30,000 reward points for drivers heading to rural counties are just some of the offers lined up for travelers in Korea over the next two months.

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Tourism Organization launched the campaign Tuesday. Running through October and November under the slogan "Autumn deep, travel light," the program bundles transportation, accommodation and package-tour discounts with regional spending rebates.

Transportation

Drivers using the TMap navigation app can earn up to 30,000 TMap points for trips to any of the 89 areas the government designates as population-declining. Points and digital stamps are awarded per local government visited, provided drivers sign an eco-friendly safe-driving pledge and travel at least 30 kilometers from their point of origin. Those who drive electric vehicles, use a digital tourism resident card and post video reviews collect extra points.

Buyers of Korail's free-travel product for 41 partner counties receive a coupon worth the full price of their train fare after visiting and verifying designated attractions there. Theme trains on five routes are half price, and the Naeilro Pass is discounted by 20,000 won.

Domestic round-trip flights booked through Naver come with Naver Pay points, at 10,000 won per passenger on mainland routes and 5,000 won on Jeju routes, for up to four passengers per booking. Travel dates for the air, rail and driving benefits all fall between Oct. 1 and Nov. 30.

A rental car promotion covers 64 coastal cities and counties outside the greater Seoul area, where public transportation is thin. Rentals of 24 hours or longer are discounted by 10,000 won and those of 48 hours or longer by 20,000 won, halved on Jeju Island. Only hybrid, electric and LPG vehicles qualify. Coupons sold at www.seatravelmonth.kr are valid through Oct. 31.

Accommodation and camping

About 80,000 lodging coupons for non-capital regions go out from 10 a.m. on Sept. 22, issued first come, first served through online travel agency channels at one per person and valid until Nov. 8. A set of 10,000 island coupons, new this year, is worth 50,000 won on bookings of 70,000 won or more, and 30,000 won on cheaper stays.

Campers can claim a 10,000 won coupon through Camping Talk and Camfit between Sept. 15 and Nov. 28, for use at registered campgrounds from Oct. 1 to Nov. 30.

Regional rebates and package deals

The campaign returns half of travel spending, up to 100,000 won per person and 140,000 won for young travelers, in mobile local gift certificates. Travelers must file a travel plan with the participating local government in advance and submit receipts afterward. Thirteen areas are taking part, including Hwacheon in Gangwon Province; Miryang and Geochang in South Gyeongsang Province; Andong in North Gyeongsang Province; Taean in South Chungcheong Province; and Wando in South Jeolla Province.

Gmarket opens a travel sale page on Sept. 21 with up to 50 percent off domestic products, capped at 50,000 won, for travel between Oct. 1 and Nov. 30.

Programs and events

The campaign overlaps with the 2026 Korea Grand Festival, a nationwide discount event running Oct. 29 through Nov. 15 that raises discount rates on Digital Onnuri gift certificates and awards one lottery entry for every 50,000 won in cumulative card spending, capped at 10 entries.

Local governments and public agencies are adding their own offers, including 30 percent off Daegu city tour buses, up to 50 percent off temple stay programs in November, up to 50 percent off the Korea Rural Community Corp. rural tour pass, and half-price night admission at Sejong National Arboretum on Fridays and Saturdays in October.