Busan Metropolitan City and the Busan Tourism Organization are set to significantly boost inbound tourism by launching a comprehensive range of regional tourism packages this month. Aiming to transform Busan into a central hub for exploring the southern region of South Korea and even extending to nearby Japan, these new offerings target international tourists and seek to cultivate longer stays within the area.
The city and the tourism organization announced on April 23rd the introduction of 49 distinct tourism packages specifically designed for foreign visitors. This diverse portfolio includes 10 "Seat In Coach" (SIC) one-day tours, 14 "Special Interest Travel" (SIT) customized theme packages, and 25 broader regional tourism products encompassing the Busan, Ulsan, and Gyeongsangnam-do (Bu-Ul-Gyeong) areas. Importantly, all these packages either originate from Busan or prominently feature the city as a key destination within their itineraries. These newly launched products are readily available for purchase through prominent online global travel agencies such as Klook, KKday, and Trip.com, ensuring accessibility for international travelers.
The SIC tours are designed to offer individual foreign tourists (FITs) convenient transportation via large buses or vans and efficient itineraries to explore attractions in the vicinity of Busan. These are expected to be particularly popular due to the ease of travel and well-structured schedules they provide. Notable SIC offerings include a Busan-Pohang-Gyeongju course featuring iconic sites like Space Walk, Homigot Cape, and Gyeongju World; a Busan-Tsushima Island (Japan) ferry package; and a Busan-Namhae-Sacheon itinerary that includes the German Village in Namhae and the Sacheon Cable Car. Tsushima Island, located between the Korean Peninsula and Kyushu, Japan, is known for its natural beauty, historical significance, and proximity to Busan, making it an attractive day-trip destination.
This year marks the debut of the SIT packages, which are meticulously crafted to cater to the specific interests and preferences of travelers, incorporating unique and enriching experiences. Examples include "East Sea Line Train Tours" connecting Busan to Gangneung and Donghae, offering scenic coastal journeys; trekking and Makgeolli (traditional Korean rice wine) 체험 (experience) packages that provide insights into local life and traditional culture; and traditional temple tours linking Busan and Gyeongju, showcasing Korea's rich Buddhist heritage. Gyeongju, the ancient capital of the Silla Kingdom, is renowned for its historical sites, including Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto, both UNESCO World Heritage sites.
The Bu-Ul-Gyeong regional tourism packages have been developed in collaboration with ten dedicated private travel agencies. These longer itineraries, with a minimum duration of four nights, aim to attract longer-staying tourists by connecting key attractions across the Yeongnam region. Examples include courses that link Hadong's Songnim Park, Geoje's Oedo Botania (a stunning marine botanical garden), Ulsan's Daewangam Park (known for its coastal rock formations and legends), and the Taehwagang National Garden in Ulsan, famous for its seasonal flower displays and ecological significance. This strategic regional integration allows tourists to experience the diverse landscapes, cultures, and histories of southeastern Korea in a seamless journey.
To actively promote these new tourism packages and drive bookings, the Busan Metropolitan City and the Busan Tourism Organization are collaborating closely with the tourism industry and global online platforms to offer a range of benefits. Purchasers of SIC and SIT packages will receive discount coupon books for the Lotte Duty Free Shop's Busan branch. Additionally, discount codes will be offered in partnership with platforms like KKday, providing added value for international visitors.
In the previous year, the SIC packages successfully attracted 1,123 foreign tourists from 38 countries to Busan. The Bu-Ul-Gyeong regional tourism packages also contributed significantly, drawing 1,226 international visitors from 17 countries. With the introduction of the SIT packages this year, the ambitious goal is to attract a total of 4,000 foreign tourists to Busan, demonstrating a strong commitment to revitalizing the local tourism sector.
Kim Hyun-jae, Director-General of Busan Metropolitan City's Tourism and MICE Bureau, emphasized the collaborative approach taken in developing these new offerings. "Unlike last year, we incorporated the feedback from neighboring local governments like Ulsan and Gyeongnam from the initial stages of tourism product development," Director-General Kim stated. "This ensures that we can provide diverse and appealing tourism content to international visitors, while simultaneously enabling each region to attract new foreign tourists and boost their local tourism economies. We are committed to strengthening inter-regional cooperation and networks to expand the scale of regional tourism centered around Busan and the southern region."
This strategic initiative by Busan aims not only to increase the number of foreign visitors but also to enhance their overall experience by offering a wider array of attractions and encouraging longer stays, thereby generating greater economic benefits for the entire southeastern region of South Korea. By leveraging Busan's position as a major transportation hub and its existing tourism infrastructure, these new regional packages hold significant potential to establish the city as a key gateway for exploring the rich cultural and natural heritage of the area, and even facilitating convenient excursions to nearby international destinations like Tsushima. The collaborative spirit between Busan and its neighboring regions, coupled with the strategic partnerships with global travel platforms, signals a proactive and forward-thinking approach to attracting and satisfying the evolving needs of the international tourism market.
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