Off the beaten path: Culture Ministry launches new rural travel packages for tourists

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism curated 11 travel packages around rural Korea, specifically targeting foreign tourists.

Hikers climbing the rocky Mount Seorak in Seocho, Gangwon. The hike is part of the Culture Ministry's newly announced "8 Days Easy Trek and Trip of Eastern Korea and Oceans" travel package. [JOONGANG ILBO]

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism curated 11 travel packages around rural Korea, specifically targeting foreign tourists.

Helmed in collaboration with the tourism-focused Visit Korea Committee, each itinerary covers a popular travel theme, with packages across seven provinces and metropolitan cities Daegu and Busan. The trips last for up to 8 days.

Visitors to Andong, North Gyeongsang, make makgeolli, otherwise known as Korean rice wine. [JOONGANG ILBO]

For those looking to indulge in Korea’s gastro culture, packages dubbed the “Savor Busan: Culinary Delights and Cafe Culture” and “A Night with Korean Traditional Liquor in Andong, UNESCO World Heritage City” in North Gyeongsang include tastings and opportunities to craft liquor first-hand.

The “Journey Through Ancient Korean Kingdoms: Gongju & Buyeo Day and Night Tour” in South Chungcheong and the “Traditional Korea: Performances & Hanok Stay” in North Jeolla offer sightseeing in old towns and traditional activities that promise a deeper understanding of Korea’s history and ancient culture.

With the “Coastal Beauty & K-pop Landmarks: Gangneung & Donghae Tour” in Gangwon and the “Discover the Beauty of Tongyeong & Geoje in 4 Days” in South Gyeongsang, guests can explore coastal cities and participate in seaside activities like ferry rides and sailing.

Maemi Castle, a stop in "Discover the Beauty of Tongyeong & Geoje in 4 Days" travel package, is a man-made castle in Geoje, South Gyeongsang [JOONGANG ILBO]

Those looking to log some exercise in nature will appreciate the “8 Days Easy Trek and Trip of Eastern Korea and Oceans” in Gangwon and South Gyeongsang, which incorporates trekking trails along regional coasts. The “Busan, Daegu Hiking Tour” also includes ample physical activity, as visitors will hike through a local mountain and drop by an amusement park.

For K-pop fans, the “Must visit K-POP tour” in Gangwon, Chungcheong, Daegu and Busan is essential, while the “Hidden Gems of Korea's Gen Z Premium Hanok Stay with K-pop & K-drama Filming Locations” in North Jeolla and the“Coastal Beauty & K-pop Landmarks: Gangneung & Donghae Tour” combine music and Korean heritage.

Boy band BTS in Gangwon to film its reality show "BTS In the Soop" (2020-21) [JOONGANG ILBO]

A more comprehensive tourism package is the “Discover Round Korea in 7 days,” which has stops at all the major tourist points across the Chungcheong, Jeolla, Gyeongsang and Gangwon provinces.

“[The travel packages] aim to provide foreigners with a variety of travel products that allow them to visit and travel throughout Korea according to their preferences,” said the ministry Monday. The packages were internally vetted and the ministry was consulted by expert PR and travel consultants, it added.

Buddhist temple Seokguram in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang, is a stop in the "Discover Round Korea in 7 days” travel package. [JOONGANG ILBO]

They are currently available on global online travel platforms Viator, Creatrip and Klook. Different packages can be purchased through one or more of the platforms.

“We expect that these products will contribute to the revitalization of local tourism and serve as a catalyst for the development of various local tourism products,” said the ministry. “The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism will continue to discover local tourism companies and actively support them step by step from product planning to sales promotion. Ultimately, we encourage foreigners and locals to visit the country's rural parts and revitalize the regions."

BY LEE JIAN [lee.jian@joongang.co.kr]