Traveling to support their teams is transforming into a rich local experience. Fans are moving beyond simply attending matches to enjoy local cuisine and attractions as part of a comprehensive tourism package.
The Korea Tourism Organization, Korail Tourism Development, and the Korea Professional Football League announced on July 21 that the '2026 K League Trip Day,' a sports-focused tourism initiative linking professional soccer viewing with local tourism, will officially launch on July 25.
◆ Expansion of Sports Tourism Following Successful Pilot ProgramThis initiative was developed in response to positive feedback from a pilot program conducted in May. During that event, over 150 fans from FC Seoul and Incheon United traveled on a special train to Daejeon, visiting local attractions and bakeries, demonstrating the potential for sports-related tourism.
Starting in the second half of the year, the program will significantly expand beyond the Seoul metropolitan area to include K League home bases nationwide. It will offer two types of packages: a 'full package' for traveling fans and a 'semi-package' for local home fans, with a maximum of 100 participants per match.
The full package for traveling fans departing from areas like the Seoul metropolitan region includes round-trip train tickets on KTX or SRT, transportation connections, match tickets in the away section, free tours of local attractions, and the accompaniment of professional guides. Events for fan participation will also be held on the train, turning travel time into an enjoyable experience.
◆ Rich Local Experiences Expected to Boost Regional EconomiesThe inaugural event on July 25 will feature a match between Busan IPark and Suwon Samsung Bluewings, with an itinerary that includes a visit to Daejeon and then to Busan's Geoduk Stadium. Activities will include visits to traditional markets, match attendance, free tours of Haeundae, and rides on beach trains.
Subsequent programs will showcase unique experiences tied to specific teams, such as visits to the Gyeongsangbuk-do Arboretum for the Pohang Steelers match and a bunker experience in Jeonju for the Jeonbuk Hyundai match. The offerings will range from day trips to two-day stay packages, aiming to draw soccer fans into local economies.
Kang Yu-young, head of the regional tourism development team at the Korea Tourism Organization, stated, “While the number of visitors coming to local areas for sports events is increasing, there has been a lack of related travel products. We will continue to expand support to convert fans' travel demand into stay-type tourism.”
Lee Woo-hyun, acting CEO of Korail Tourism Development, emphasized, “We have created a new tourism platform that combines rail travel with the K League, fostering interaction among fans. We aim to revitalize stay-type tourism and invigorate local economies through collaboration with regional soccer teams and businesses.”
* This article has been translated by AI.
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