The Gwangju Metropolitan City has introduced a two-day travel package called 'Namdo Hanbaki,' targeting tourists from the Seoul and Busan areas.
The city announced on October 30 that the package includes visits to major attractions in Namdo, along with local cuisine and hotel accommodations, all facilitated by a circular bus service.
This new offering expands the traditional day-trip model into a two-day experience, aiming to increase tourists' stay duration and boost spending in local accommodations and restaurants.
Notably, through a partnership with Kumho Express, the package is priced 30-40% lower than similar offerings in the market.
Travelers will use luxury buses to explore key tourist sites, accompanied by professional guides who will provide commentary and assist with meals and lodging. The package includes four meals featuring local specialties, each priced around 30,000 won.
The inaugural trips will take place from Busan on November 7-8 and from Seoul on November 12-13, with each route scheduled for seven departures. Additional dates will be announced once the itinerary is finalized.
The Seoul package will depart from Olympic Park Station, featuring lunch at a restaurant known for Naju Gomtang, followed by visits to Sinan Purple Island, Mokpo Marine Cable Car, and the Skywalk. Dinner will include sashimi, with accommodations at the Sunhill Hotel in Haenam.
On the second day, participants will explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of Daehungsa Temple in Haenam and enjoy a chicken course meal in Gangjin. The itinerary concludes with visits to Gangjin Bay Ecological Park and Baegundong Garden before returning to Seoul.
The Busan package will start from Sasang Station, visiting Suncheon Seonamsa Temple and enjoying a meal of cockle bibimbap. After touring Suncheon Bay National Garden and Odongdo Island in Yeosu, dinner will feature crab marinated in soy sauce, with an overnight stay at the Yeosu Yutop Marina Hotel.
The following day includes a visit to Yeosu Artland and a lunch of Gwangyang bulgogi before exploring Baegunsan Natural Recreation Forest and the preserved home of poet Yun Dong-ju, concluding the trip back to Busan.
This package aims to alleviate the burden on tourists who typically have to arrange their own transportation, accommodations, and dining, while allowing them to experience the natural beauty, history, culture, and cuisine of Namdo.
There is particular interest in converting day-trippers into overnight visitors to enhance local spending.
Oh Mi-kyung, head of the tourism policy division at Gwangju Metropolitan City, stated, "As the seasonal day-trip version of Namdo Hanbaki gained popularity for its cost-effectiveness, we have developed this two-day package to meet growing demand. We hope tourists enjoy a memorable autumn trip in Namdo, experiencing its renowned attractions and flavors through our Seoul and Busan departures."
Meanwhile, details on booking and the full itinerary for the two-day travel package from Seoul and Busan can be found on the 'Bus Hanbaki' website or through their call center. Gwangju Metropolitan City aims to expand visits from tourists in the Seoul and Yeongnam regions and strengthen the foundation for extended tourism through this initiative.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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