K-Travel Bus, a one-night, two-day tour program exclusively for foreign tourists, will officially begin operations on Friday after a three-month trial, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism said Monday.
Jointly operated by the ministry and the Visit Korea Committee, the service connects Seoul to provincial attractions to boost regional tourism and improve the options available for tourists.
"Foreign tourists usually visit only Seoul, but this tour program will give convenient access to various regions of the country and introduce regional cultures," a ministry official said.
The service will go to six regions ― Gangwon, South Jeolla Province, North South Gyeongsang Provinces, Daegu, the southeastern area (Busan, Ulsan and Tongyeong, Jecheon and Muju.
The ministry will hold a ceremony in Gwanghwamun, Friday, from where the bus will leave. Actor Jung Il-woo, who was designated as an honorary ambassador for the program, will take part.
Sixty foreigners who have applied for this experience through social media will travel to major tourist attractions in the six regions.
The program committee previously provided free shuttle buses to take foreign tourists to Jeonju, Busan and Gyeongju on one-day tours, but tourists could not fully enjoy the regions due to time constraints and lack of tour programs.
"The new bus program is expected to allow tourists more time to look around," the official said.
The program costs around $170, covering transportation, local guides, accommodations and admission charges. The service will operate once a week.
At least four participants are required for the bus to run.
For more details, visit www.k-travelbus.com.