Major holidays in East Asia, including Japan's Silver Week and China's Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day, coincide this fall. To attract foreign tourists during this peak travel season, the Seoul Metropolitan Government is launching a 23-day hospitality initiative from September 19 to October 11.
The city announced on September 15 that it will operate the '2026 Seoul Welcome Week (Autumn Edition)' in collaboration with the Seoul Tourism Foundation and the Seoul Tourism Association.
This year's program is designed to provide hospitality services along the actual travel routes of foreign tourists, from their arrival at the airport to their departure. The initiative expands beyond the traditional focus on Myeongdong to include Incheon and Gimpo airports, urban tourist information centers, the Seoul Culture Lounge, and the Han River.
The event aligns with the East Asian tourism peak, starting with Japan's Silver Week (September 19-23), followed by Korea's Chuseok (September 24-27), China's Mid-Autumn Festival (September 25-27) and National Day (October 1-7), and Taiwan's National Day (October 9-11).
In July, 1.61 million foreign tourists visited Seoul, spending 1.07 trillion won. Chinese tourists accounted for the largest group at 600,000, followed by 250,000 from Japan and 200,000 from Taiwan. The city aims to convert the holiday demand of these significant East Asian tourist markets into autumn travel spending.
At the airport, foreign tourists will be greeted with a 'free tourist pass' as their first welcome. Starting September 19, the 'Discover Seoul Pass Heritage Edition' will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis at tourist information centers in Incheon Airport's Terminals 1 and 2 and Gimpo Airport.
This mobile pass allows free entry to 12 major national heritage sites in Seoul, including the royal tombs of the Joseon Dynasty and four major palaces, along with discounts at over 110 partner tourist facilities.
Hospitality events themed around Chuseok will take place at 13 tourist information centers and fixed guide posts, including the Seoul Tourism Plaza and Myeongdong. Foreign tourists can write wishes while viewing the moon and receive English fortune cookies and traditional knot ornaments.
Myeongdong, a popular destination for foreign tourists, will serve as the main stage for the Welcome Week. From October 1 to 8, a 'Seoul Welcome Center' will be set up near Exit 6 of Myeongdong Station.
At the Seoul Culture Lounge on the 11th floor of the Seoul Tourism Plaza on Cheonggyecheon-ro, programs to experience Korea's Chuseok and traditional culture will be held from September 19 to October 10.
Special hospitality events for foreign tourists will also take place along the Han River. During the Welcome Week, Seoul Cruise will offer a 20% discount on cruise tickets for foreigners. The 'Moonlight Rooftop Night Market' will feature K-pop performances and traditional cultural experiences against the backdrop of the Han River's night scenery at the Yeouido Cruise Terminal's fourth floor.
The city is also encouraging greater participation from the tourism industry. Starting September 16, it will send out four newsletters to the tourism sector to inform them about the Welcome Week events and participation methods, while promoting fair pricing and courteous service to prevent excessive charges and unfair practices.
Cho Sung-ho, head of the Seoul Tourism and Sports Bureau, stated, "This Welcome Week is significant for expanding hospitality services along the travel routes of foreign tourists from the airport to major urban tourist hubs, and for encouraging participation from the tourism industry. We will ensure that visitors feel a warm welcome and experience the diverse charms of Seoul from the moment they arrive until they depart."
The city announced on September 15 that it will operate the '2026 Seoul Welcome Week (Autumn Edition)' in collaboration with the Seoul Tourism Foundation and the Seoul Tourism Association.
This year's program is designed to provide hospitality services along the actual travel routes of foreign tourists, from their arrival at the airport to their departure. The initiative expands beyond the traditional focus on Myeongdong to include Incheon and Gimpo airports, urban tourist information centers, the Seoul Culture Lounge, and the Han River.
The event aligns with the East Asian tourism peak, starting with Japan's Silver Week (September 19-23), followed by Korea's Chuseok (September 24-27), China's Mid-Autumn Festival (September 25-27) and National Day (October 1-7), and Taiwan's National Day (October 9-11).
In July, 1.61 million foreign tourists visited Seoul, spending 1.07 trillion won. Chinese tourists accounted for the largest group at 600,000, followed by 250,000 from Japan and 200,000 from Taiwan. The city aims to convert the holiday demand of these significant East Asian tourist markets into autumn travel spending.
At the airport, foreign tourists will be greeted with a 'free tourist pass' as their first welcome. Starting September 19, the 'Discover Seoul Pass Heritage Edition' will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis at tourist information centers in Incheon Airport's Terminals 1 and 2 and Gimpo Airport.
This mobile pass allows free entry to 12 major national heritage sites in Seoul, including the royal tombs of the Joseon Dynasty and four major palaces, along with discounts at over 110 partner tourist facilities.
Hospitality events themed around Chuseok will take place at 13 tourist information centers and fixed guide posts, including the Seoul Tourism Plaza and Myeongdong. Foreign tourists can write wishes while viewing the moon and receive English fortune cookies and traditional knot ornaments.
Myeongdong, a popular destination for foreign tourists, will serve as the main stage for the Welcome Week. From October 1 to 8, a 'Seoul Welcome Center' will be set up near Exit 6 of Myeongdong Station.
At the Seoul Culture Lounge on the 11th floor of the Seoul Tourism Plaza on Cheonggyecheon-ro, programs to experience Korea's Chuseok and traditional culture will be held from September 19 to October 10.
Special hospitality events for foreign tourists will also take place along the Han River. During the Welcome Week, Seoul Cruise will offer a 20% discount on cruise tickets for foreigners. The 'Moonlight Rooftop Night Market' will feature K-pop performances and traditional cultural experiences against the backdrop of the Han River's night scenery at the Yeouido Cruise Terminal's fourth floor.
The city is also encouraging greater participation from the tourism industry. Starting September 16, it will send out four newsletters to the tourism sector to inform them about the Welcome Week events and participation methods, while promoting fair pricing and courteous service to prevent excessive charges and unfair practices.
Cho Sung-ho, head of the Seoul Tourism and Sports Bureau, stated, "This Welcome Week is significant for expanding hospitality services along the travel routes of foreign tourists from the airport to major urban tourist hubs, and for encouraging participation from the tourism industry. We will ensure that visitors feel a warm welcome and experience the diverse charms of Seoul from the moment they arrive until they depart."
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.