Korea Tourism Organization launches K League-linked football travel package

FC Seoul players celebrate after scoring a game-winning goal against Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors during the K League 1 Matchday 7 game at Seoul World Cup Stadium, Saturday. Courtesy of K League

The Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) said Monday it will introduce a K League-linked travel package in May, offering train-based trips designed to turn match-day visits into longer regional stays.

The "K League Trip Day" program, developed with Korail Tourism Development and K League, was conceived in response to rising fuel costs that have increased the burden of car travel, while also aiming to boost local economies by converting fan travel into extended stays.

The package has two formats.

The first package targets traveling fans of Daejeon Hana Citizen, with a day trip option timed to home matches on May 5 against Incheon United and May 16 against FC Seoul. Trains will depart Yongsan Station for Seo-Daejeon Station, with two dedicated ITX cars reserved for fans and stocked with cheering banners and club character merchandise.

Pre- and post-match itineraries include visits to local bakeries and commercial districts. Each departure accommodates 120 passengers on a first-come, first-served basis, for a total of 240 spots across both trips, with prices starting in the 80,000-won ($54.37) range after a discount of up to 50,000 won per person.

The second is a flexible stay package for out-of-town supporters attending May home matches for Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors, Ulsan HD, Daejeon Hana Citizen and Gangwon FC.

Each package includes round-trip KTX tickets from Seoul, accommodation and premium match tickets. Train schedules are arranged to allow ample time for regional sightseeing, and the itinerary includes a player high-five event and stadium tour.

Purchases are limited to four tickets per person. Reservations and full schedules are available at visitkorea.or.kr and korailtravel.com.

"This sports-specific travel product is a new attempt to connect match attendance with local stays and spending," said a KTO official.

"We will continue expanding stay-based travel programs that combine regional sports and tourism."

This article was published with the assistance of generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.