Gov't to support travel agencies in bid to boost Chinese group tourism

12 local travel agencies will get special government funding for programs targeting Chinese group tours.

Tourists walk around the Gwanghwamun Square in central Seoul on Aug. 9. [NEWS1]

Spending the night at a boutique hotel and shopping in eastern Seoul's Seongsu-dong, getting cosmetic treatment and touring the production studio of tvN drama series "Queen of Tears," bike-riding along the Han River and visiting the vibrant seafood market in Gangwon's Sokcho — the government will give a boost to 16 tourist programs tailor-made by 12 local travel companies for Chinese group tours in an aim to spur inbound tourism.

The 16 programs were chosen through an open competition that took place from July 15 to 29 where the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism took submissions from local travel agencies specializing in tourist programs for Chinese group tourists, also known as Youke.

Out of the 16 programs, five focus on K-culture, three on leisure and sports, two on peace and national security, three on wellness and resting and three on regional tourism. They include: firsthand experience with 2024 Hallyu content; bike-riding along three major rivers for sport trainees and students; touring the Demilitarized Zone's nature and learning the history of peace; and healing at the temples of Gangwon.

The travel agencies that have been chosen will be certified as a "quality project" by the government and receive funding for marketing and promotional expenses, and will also get an opportunity to advertise their projects at travel fairs in China, according to the Culture Ministry.

China's group tourism to Korea resumed last August for the first time in six years after such programs were shut down by the Chinese government due to diplomatic tensions between Beijing and Seoul. The Korean government has since been tightening inspections on travel agencies ripping off Chinese tourists and encouraging agencies to develop more Youke-friendly programs.

This year's number of inbound Chinese tourists surpassed that of last year's annual visitors by June and is expected to surpass 3 million by the end of August, according to the Culture Ministry. A Chinese tourist typically spends around $2,324.30, including on tavel by flights or cruise ships to Korea, during their travels, according to the ministry.

BY YOON SO-YEON [yoon.soyeon@joongang.co.kr]