K-Tour Pass Debuts for Foreign Travelers in Busan... One Card for Transportation and Tourist Discounts

40% Discount on Busan Transportation for 15,000 Won
Free Entry to One of 35 Tourist Attractions
Subway and Bus Payment, Check Card Function Included
Expansion to Five Major Tourism Zones Planned for Next Year

A pilot program for the "K-Tour Pass," which allows individual foreign travelers to benefit from discounts on transportation to Busan and tourist attractions all at once, has been launched.

Promotional image of the K-Tour Pass, exclusively for foreign tourists, piloted from the 1st in Busan by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Tourism Organization. The pass combines essential travel features such as discounted transportation to Busan, attraction discounts, and public transportation payments into one single pass. Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism announced that, starting from October 1, it will begin a pilot operation of the foreign tourists-only "K-Tour Pass" in Busan, in cooperation with the Korea Tourism Organization. This initiative aims to make regional mobility more convenient for foreigners who prefer Free Independent Travel (FIT) and to disperse tourism demand beyond Seoul to other regions.

Aside from Seoul, Busan is the most visited destination by foreign tourists among regional cities. Last year, 76.8% of inbound tourists visited Seoul, followed by 15.7% in Busan, 11.2% in Gyeonggi, and 9.7% in Jeju.

The pass is offered in two types: "Pass 1," a one-day ticket for transportation to Busan, and "Pass 2," a period pass that combines the Korail Pass for foreign tourists for 2 to 5 days. Both options are priced at 15,000 won.

Holders of the route pass can receive a 40% discount when reserving metropolitan transportation bound for Busan. Discounts are also available for Airport Railroad Express train services. The period pass provides discounts when purchasing the Korail Pass, which is exclusive to foreign travelers.

Tourism benefits are also included. Among 35 affiliated paid tourist attractions in Busan, users can enjoy free admission to one location, and receive additional discounts at 50 partner establishments such as experience centers, attractions, and cafes. To use the benefits at these attractions, visitors simply present the entry barcode issued upon purchase of the pass.

The pass can be purchased through the global online travel agency (OTA) Klook and via the 'Hop&Hop' app or website by WebTour. It is also equipped with public transportation payment features for subways and city buses.

A physical card is available for free for those who wish to have one. By loading the card with Korean won, users can use it not only for public transportation payments but also as a debit card. The card can be issued at kiosks located in Incheon, Gimpo, and Gimhae International Airports as well as at Seoul Station and Busan Station, and can be recharged using Korean cash or international credit cards. Online charging is also available with overseas credit cards.

The government plans to expand the regions and benefits starting next year after piloting the program in Busan this year. The government's budget plan for next year includes an allocation of 9 billion won for this project, about triple the amount from this year. The intent is to broaden transportation and tourist attraction benefits in conjunction with the five major tourism zones centered on regional airports.

Kang Jungwon, policy chief of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, said, "Through the pilot program, we hope that foreign tourists can enjoy seamless and convenient access to transportation payments and tourist attractions. Based on the information collected, we will improve the quality of services and, by linking the five major tourism zones centered on regional airports, encourage more regional visits."

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