'Spring for Travel' campaign offers big discounts on flights, trains, stays

Cherry Blossom trees in Gangjin, South Jeolla Province / Courtesy of Korea Tourism Organization

Spring travel deals are here, packed with discounts to lure people outdoors.

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and Korea Tourism Organization kicked off the 2026 "Spring for Travel" campaign, which runs from April 1 through May 31.

Free train travel to depopulated regions

Korea Railroad KORAIL is offering 100 percent refunds in points on fares to 42 depopulated regions for trips booked April 1 to May 31. Riders can verify their visits via QR code to unlock coupons matching their round-trip costs.

For instance, if you travel from Cheongnyangni Station in Seoul to Andong using the depopulated-region independent travel package, which costs 55,400 won ($36.5) round trip, you can receive a 55,400 won discount on your next train ride, by verifying the visit with a QR code or digital tourism resident card.

Tourist trains are joining in, too, with five themed routes at half price. Eligible trains include the East Santa Train (Gangneung-Buncheon), the V-Train (Yeongju-Cheolam), the G-Train (Yongsan-Iksan), the S-Train (Seoul-Yeosu, Busan-Mokpo) and the A-Train (Cheongnyangni-Mindungsan).

The “Naeilro Pass,” which allows unlimited train rides for three or five days, also comes with a 20,000 won discount.

These train discounts are available to a total of 90,000 travelers. Tourist train tickets and the Naeilro Pass can be purchased through the KORAIL website, app or at station ticket counters nationwide.

A promotional poster for "Spring for Travel" campaign / Courtesy of Korea Tourism Organization

Airfare, lodging perks

There are also airfare discounts. Travelers who buy domestic round-trip tickets — with some exclusions — through Naver Flight can receive Naver Pay points worth 5,000 won per person and up to 20,000 won for four people. A total of 70,000 people can benefit.

Discounts are also designed to encourage longer stays. For travel outside Seoul, Incheon and Gyeonggi area, lodging prices are significantly reduced. About 100,000 discount coupons will be available. Travelers paying 70,000 won ($46) or more for accommodation can receive a 30,000 won discount, while stays under 70,000 won are eligible for a 20,000 won discount.

For stays of two nights and three days costing 140,000 won or more, travelers can receive a discount of 70,000 won. Meanwhile, stays for under that amount are eligible for a 50,000 won discount. Coupons will be available on a first-come, first-served basis from 10 a.m. on April 8 through the official 2026 Korea Accommodation Sale Festa website and online travel agencies.

Each person may receive one coupon, which can be used through April 30. Details, including regional allocations, are available on the official website.

Mount Yeongchwi in Yeosu, South Jeolla Province / Courtesy of Korea Tourism Organization

Travelers who visit 16 areas including Yeongwol, Jecheon, Gochang, Gangjin, Haenam and Hadong can also receive 50 percent of their travel expenses back in mobile local gift certificates as well. Individuals can receive up to 100,000 won, while groups of two or more can receive up to 200,000 won.

They must apply with a travel plan for the region, have it confirmed by the local government and submit proof of travel expenses to receive the rebate.

Themed trips, temple stays

There are also themed travel deals tailored to different interests. Domestic travel products sold on Gmarket and LotteON special promotion pages are discounted by up to 40 percent, capped at 50,000 won.

Mount Mai in Jinan, North Jeolla Province / Courtesy of Korea Tourism Organization

Participation-based themed events are also drawing attention. The “5 People, 5 Colors of Taste Travel” event led by influencers, offers 25 travel products across five themes: spring seasonal foods, solo travel, running, photography, and reading and handwriting. The program will provide 1,000 people a special travel experience.

Yeongwol in Gangwon Province, the exile site of the deposed King Danjong and currently benefiting from the popularity of the film “The King's Warden,” is offering up to 50 percent off admission to major tourist sites such as Cheongnyeongpo.

For those who need a healing break from their busy life, temple stay can be an option. The Cultural Corps of Korean Buddhism will reduce temple stay costs by 50 percent for the month of May.

For more information, the Visit Korea website.