Culture Ministry to distribute 300,000 lodging discount coupons during Chuseok holiday

Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Park Bo-gyoon speaks during a meeting at the National Assembly on Sept. 1 in western Seoul. [NEWS1]

The government will give out 300,000 lodging discount coupons during the Chuseok holiday to stimulate the Korean tourism market, Culture Minster Park Bo-gyoon said Friday.

This year's Chuseok holiday starts on Sept. 28 and ends on Oct. 3. It was extended from being a four-day break to a six-day break after the government designated Oct. 2 as a temporary holiday, as the National Foundation Day falls on Oct. 3.

The coupon will give a 30,000 won ($22.7) discount for accommodations that cost more than 50,000 won when reservations are made through online travel sites.

Coupons can be issued and used from Sept. 27 to Oct. 15. One coupon will be given out to each person on a first-come, first-served basis.

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism initially planned to give out 600,000 coupons in November, when the number of travelers is down because there are no national holidays, but decided to give out half this month after a government meeting held on Thursday where President Yoon Suk Yeol ordered the ministry to come up with ways to boost tourism during the extended holiday.

The government will also expand its holiday funding program. The program allows an employee of a business to get a 400,000 won travel budget if they pay 200,000 won themselves. Their company contributes 100,000 won to the budget, and the government 100,000 won.

There are 140,000 workers using this program, and the government plans to bring the number up to 190,000.

A free gugak, traditional Korean music, performance will be held on the Blue House premises from Sept. 28 to 30 under the title "K-Music Festival."

Events will also take place at national museums, including the National Museum of Korea.

All branches of the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MMCA) and 22 traditional tourist spots, including palaces and royal tombs, will be open for free from Sept. 28 to 30.

Tickets to professional baseball games will be discounted up to 50 percent on Sept. 29, the day of Chuseok.

"We will endeavor to energize the local market through various events and discount benefits so that the people may travel around and enjoy the holidays," Park said.

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