Oct 1, 2026
Stepping beyond the glittering skyscrapers of Seoul to explore Korea's scenic southern coast just became easier and cheaper for foreign tourists. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, in partnership with the Korea Tourism Organization, rolled out the K-Tour Pass in the southern port city of Busan, Thursday. The pilot initiative, designed for tourists traveling independently rather than with tour groups, combines intercity transit discounts with admission perks for regional attractions into a single, unified digital and physical travel pass. According to ministry surveys, while over three-quarters of foreign tourists visit the Korean capital, only about 16 percent venture south to Busan. By bundling transit savings with entrance tickets, government officials hope to disperse tourist traffic away from Seoul and encourage visitors to explore regional cultural hubs. Available through international online travel agencies such as Klook and WebBaggage, the K-Tour Pass is priced at 15,000 won ($11). Travelers can choose between a single-leg pass, which offers up to a 40 percent discount