"I can really feel the impact of the half-price travel program here in Miryang," said Choi Hyu-young, the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, during his visit to the city on May 14-15.
Minister Choi attended a Miryang Arirang performance, purchased books at Cheonghak Bookstore, and enjoyed a bowl of pork soup at Miryang Market. He also climbed Yeongnamru to take in the panoramic views of the city, appreciating Miryang's unique charm.
Tourism has become a key driver of growth for Miryang's local economy. As population outflows continue to major cities like Seoul and Busan, Miryang's population fell below 100,000 last year. However, the city has focused on attracting tourists by promoting its traditional culture, heritage, and local cuisine, resulting in an increase in visitors. Recently, young entrepreneurs have also begun to capture the attention of younger demographics by developing local specialties like Bupyeon-tteok.
The half-price travel program has attracted thrifty tourists, spreading warmth throughout the local tourism sector. Jointly promoted by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the Korea Tourism Organization, and local governments, the program reimburses half of the travel expenses—such as accommodation, meals, and experiences—through mobile local love gift certificates for visitors to declining population areas. The ministry secured additional funding in the recent supplementary budget to expand the number of supported locations from 20 to 30 due to high demand.
Indeed, Miryang's applications for the May half-price travel program sold out in just one day. Minister Choi visited Yeongnamru and Miryang Fortress, both certified travel destinations under the half-price program, and found them bustling with tourists even on a weekday morning.
Lee Kyung-sook, head of the Tourism Promotion Division in Miryang, stated, "In April, we received 2,000 applicants, and in May, 2,500, all of which filled up in just one day." She noted that immediate reimbursement processing, along with mail delivery of tourism guides and seasonal events, has received positive responses. She added, "There are tourists returning to participate in monthly events, which is helping the local economy." Applications for the June half-price travel program will open on May 28.
Although Miryang is classified as a population decline area with its population below 100,000, the impact of the half-price travel program has led to over 100,000 digital resident certificates being issued. The city is promoting local consumption by linking major tourist attractions like Sunshine Miryang Theme Park, Miryang Arirang Space Observatory, and Miryang Ice Valley Cable Car with the benefits of digital tourism resident certificates. The half-price travel initiative appears to be yielding greater results than policies aimed at addressing population decline.
On the same day, Minister Choi met with officials involved in the 'Tourism Dure' project, which aims to empower residents to create and operate tourism businesses based on local resources and stories. The ministry plans to nurture over 100 new youth businesses in non-capital areas, backed by a supplementary budget of 3.1 billion won for the 'Youth Tourism Dure' program confirmed in April.
One participant from Changwon expressed concern, saying, "Due to a lack of cultural infrastructure and job opportunities, friends interested in culture are leaving for Seoul or Busan."
In response, Minister Choi emphasized the need for improved cultural infrastructure and content to retain residents, stating, "Through the 'This is Coming to Our Neighborhood' project, we will ensure that performances and exhibitions are easily accessible in local areas." He promised to create an environment where residents feel that culture is always present in their lives, rather than feeling disconnected from cultural centers.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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