According to data released by the ministry on April 14, 2026, indicators for regional visits and spending by South Koreans are on the rise. Domestic travel to local areas increased by 6.9% year-on-year to 39.31 million trips in January and February, with spending rising by 3.0% to 5.401 trillion won. Notably, the number of visitors from the Seoul metropolitan area grew by 6.81%, indicating a clear nationwide expansion in tourism demand.
Foreign tourist arrivals at regional airports also showed significant growth, with 853,905 visitors recorded, a 49.7% increase compared to the previous year. Additionally, the number of foreign travelers using rail services rose by 46.4% to approximately 1.69 million. The regional visit rate for foreigners reached 34.5%, up 3.2% from the previous year, while the average length of stay increased by 36.2% to 5.28 million days, with spending growing by 17.2% to $880 million.
In line with this upward trend in local tourism, the ministry announced that it has selected 11 traditional markets, including Mangwon Market in Seoul, as part of the second phase of the 'K-Tourism Market' initiative to develop them into key local tourist attractions. The selected markets include Mangwon Market and Gyeongdong Market in Seoul, Haeundae Market in Busan, Seomun Market in Daegu, Sinpo International Market in Incheon, Nammun Market in Suwon, Sokcho Tourism Fish Market in Gangwon, Danyang Gu-gyeong Market in Chungbuk, Jeonju Nambu Market in Jeonbuk, Andong Gu Market in Gyeongbuk, and Dongmun Traditional Market in Jeju.
On the same day, the ministry and the Korea Tourism Organization held the launch ceremony for the 'K-Tourism Market Smile Campaign' at Mangwon Market in Seoul. The heads of the merchants' associations from the 11 markets signed a joint declaration promising to eliminate overcharging and unfriendly service practices by committing to four service innovations: fixed pricing, card payments, cleanliness and hygiene, and friendliness.
Kang Dong-jin, the ministry's tourism policy director, stated, "This 'Smile Campaign' will not just be a slogan but a turning point to improve the image of traditional markets through the voluntary participation and actions of merchants. The ministry will actively support traditional markets to become essential tourist destinations where visitors can vividly experience 'K-Culture' and 'K-Food,' contributing to domestic revitalization."
Additionally, on the same day, the ministry signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) in Jinju with five local governments from the southern regions, including Busan, Gwangju, Ulsan, South Jeolla, and South Gyeongsang, along with Korea Railroad Corporation (Korail), to enhance the 'Southern Train Trail.' The ministry will provide expert consultation and coordinate interests, while local governments will develop and promote tourism resources, and Korail will assist with securing seats and fare discounts.
Director Kang emphasized, "The signing of this MOU and the operation of the consultative body aim to promote tourism development projects in the southern regions more systematically and cohesively. We plan to continue supporting the connection of railway routes and local tourism resources to disperse tourism demand concentrated in the metropolitan area to regions experiencing population decline."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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