Korea is launching a new initiative to rejuvenate its rural towns and reshape domestic travel by inviting vacationers to experience the countryside through themed activities rather than traditional maps. The program, “Five Passions, Five Journeys,” organized by the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO), offers 700 spots across 25 unique day-trip itineraries that cater to niche interests.
Travelers can engage in various themes such as wellness hiking, outdoor adventures, ecological exploration, culinary arts, and family retreats. For instance, participants might hike with a feng shui master, join outdoor activities with K-pop star Wooyoung, or take culinary tours with Chef Lee Moon-jung, all while discovering less-explored destinations.
This approach aims to tackle regional depopulation as younger generations migrate to urban areas. By connecting city dwellers to unique hobbies in rural settings, tourism officials hope to drive consistent visitor traffic to these quieter locales.
Registration is open until September 30, and participants will be selected by lottery for these enriching day trips. The initiative emphasizes the personal passions of travelers, aiming to foster lasting connections between urban residents and rural communities.
