"20,000 Won Paid Instantly Upon Arrival at Airport, Shedding the 'Overpriced Island' Label... Jeju Offers Travel Subsidies for Tourists"

Up to 50,000 won support for stays of 2 nights or more
Immediate payment at the airport, enhanced tangible benefits
Expansion from group to individual tourists

Jeju Airport. Photo by Yonhap News

Jeju tourism, which had struggled with the reputation of being an "overpriced island," is seeking a rebound by putting "value for money" at the forefront. Jeju Province aims to significantly boost tourism demand by expanding incentive policies—previously proven effective for group tourists—to now include individual travelers as well.

On June 2, Jeju Province and the Jeju Tourism Organization announced that they will be running a promotion from June 4 to June 30, providing travel subsidies to individual tourists visiting Jeju during this period.

'20,000 won for 2 nights, 50,000 won for 5 nights'... Incentives expanded to individual tourists

This program targets individual tourists who stay in Jeju for two or more nights and sign up for the digital tourism pass "NOWDA." Individual tourists aged 14 or older who stay for between two and four nights will receive local currency worth 20,000 won, while those staying five nights or more will receive local currency worth 50,000 won.

Donghwa Village, Songdang-ri, Gujwa-eup, Jeju. Photo by Yonhap News

The province has expanded its incentive policy, which previously focused on group tourists, to now include individual travelers. Previously, Jeju Province attracted more than 110,000 tourists last year by offering local currency worth approximately 30,000 won per person to group tourists, demonstrating the effectiveness of the policy.

In particular, this support program is focused on providing tangible relief to tourists as overall travel expenses—including airfares and rental car costs—have increased due to high oil prices and inflation.

Immediate payment at the airport... Structure to boost spending

The subsidy will be provided in the form of Jeju local currency, not cash, and can be collected on-site immediately. The first phase will run from June 4 to June 14 at a promotional booth inside Jeju International Airport, followed by a second phase at the Jeju Tourism Organization Jungmun Duty-Free Shop starting June 15.

Tourists simply need to present their ID, flight or ferry reservation confirmation, and accommodation or rental car reservation details. The total budget for the program is 800 million won, and it will end early if funds run out.

Related reference photo. The Asia Business Daily DB

This "immediate payment" method is designed to allow tourists to feel the benefits as soon as they arrive, stimulating their willingness to spend and encouraging actual consumption. Jeju Province expects that the subsidies will spread to local consumption in sectors such as lodging, food and beverage, and transportation, leading to ripple effects that benefit local businesses and small merchants.

'Value for Money' Jeju Image Put to the Test

The province is focusing on transforming Jeju's image from an "overpriced island" to a "cost-effective travel destination." With the current tourism market placing increasing emphasis on satisfaction relative to price, the authorities expect that direct financial support will not only provide short-term incentives but also help structurally revive tourism demand over the longer term.

Tourists are moving toward the departure east wing of Jeju International Airport. Photo by Yonhap News.

Additionally, from June 4 to June 14, the province and the Jeju Tourism Organization will run the "Delicious Jeju Travel Event" for tourists who dine at a total of two or more designated restaurants, such as "Good Price Stores," "Centennial Stores," and "Gourmet Spoon." Tourists who verify their receipts can receive a Jeju souvenir at the Jeju International Airport booth, limited to the first 100 participants.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.