The program runs through the end of June, and the total budget is ₩6.5 billion. It’s first-come, first-served, so earlier applications have a better chance before funds run out.

How the refund works

You need to submit a travel plan and get approval from the local government before your trip starts. Timing requirements vary by region, so check the specific page for wherever you’re planning to go. After the trip, you submit receipts for eligible expenses like accommodation, meals, and activities. Once the local government reviews them, the approved amount is refunded as a mobile local currency voucher (지역사랑 상품권), which can be used at participating businesses in that region or at regional online shops. The voucher needs to be used within 2026.

Card payments are generally required for receipts. Cash or wire transfers are not accepted in most regions, though this also varies, so worth double-checking.

Which regions are included

16 locations have been selected for the first half of 2026, with 4 more expected to be added in the second half:

* Gangwon : Pyeongchang, Yeongwol and Hoengseong

* Chungbuk : Jecheon

* Jeonbuk : Gochang

* Jeonnam : Gangjin, Yeonggwang, Haenam, Goheung, Wando and Yeongam

* Gyeongnam : Miryang, Hadong, Hapcheon, Geochang and Namhae

One thing to note: applicants generally cannot apply for regions adjacent to where they’re registered as residents. The official site has a tool to check eligibility by region.

Refund amounts by group type

The standard refund is 50% of eligible spending. For travelers aged 19–34 (as defined under Korea’s Youth Basic Act), the rate goes up to 70%, with a personal cap of ₩140,000. Families applying as a group can receive up to ₩500,000 combined for up to five members. These enhanced rates may vary by region, so it’s worth confirming on the local application page before applying.

For foreign residents and tourists

Eligibility for non-Korean nationals depends on residency status and varies by region. Foreign nationals with an Alien Registration Card (ARC) may be eligible in some regions, but this isn’t uniform across all participating local governments. Short-term visitors on tourist visas are generally outside the scope of this program, though again, the safest thing to do is check the specific region’s application page directly. KTO’s Korea Tourist Pass is a separate program worth looking into if you’re visiting short-term.

Where to apply

The main hub with links to each region’s application page is here:

https://korean.visitkorea.or.kr/dgtourcard/tour50.do

Each region has its own page with its own timeline, required documents, and eligible expense categories. Reading through the local page before booking anything is probably the most important step, since the rules differ more than you’d expect.