Korean Heritage Passport Tour gains popularity

Korean heritage visitor passport that is similar in size and design to a physical passport.

The Korean Heritage Passport Tour, a campaign that encourages South Koreans and foreigners to visit cultural heritage sites across the country, is gaining popularity.

According to the Korea Heritage Agency, the entire production of 110,000 copies of its Visitor Passport for 2024 has been distributed as of July 25.

The initially planned annual quantity of 75,000 copies ran out in the first half of the year, prompting an urgent additional printing of 35,000 copies by the end of July, which also dried up within a week. The distribution has ended early due to budget constraints.

According to the agency’s survey on applicants’ age groups, people in their 30s and 40s with young children accounted for more than 90 percent of the total. There are also many retirees in their 50s and 60s.

This year, 185 people completed all 10 courses and 76 locations on the tour, compared to just 27 last year.

The Visitor Passport closely resembles the passport used for overseas travel, with a similar size and design. It includes the tour start date, visitor’s name, birthday, address, phone number, and signature.

[Courtesy of Korea Heritage Agency]

The tour is part of the Visit Korean Heritage Campaign, jointly promoted by the Korea Heritage Service and the Korea Heritage Agency.

The program is a hands-on experience that allows participants to travel with the passport, collect stamps, and enjoy the journey across 10 themed routes and 76 destinations, including the Paths of Gaya Civilization and Mountain Temples.

The passport can be ordered through the Campaign website for a delivery fee of 4,500 won ($3.27).