South Korea Launches K-Tour Pass for Tourists

South Korea has introduced the K-Tour Pass, a new travel card designed to make independent travel within the country more convenient and affordable. Priced at 15,000 South Korean won (approximately 40 Israeli shekels), the pass offers discounts on intercity transportation, free entry to popular attractions, and can be used for payments on public transport and everyday purchases.

The initiative, launched by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, aims to encourage tourists to explore regions beyond the capital, Seoul. Currently, over 75% of foreign visitors go to Seoul, with only about 16% traveling south to Busan, the country's second-largest city. The K-Tour Pass seeks to change this trend by making travel to other parts of South Korea more accessible.

Cardholders will receive benefits such as a discount on the express train from the airport, savings of up to 40% on intercity routes, and complimentary access to one of 35 major tourist sites. The physical version of the K-Tour Pass also functions as a rechargeable bank card, allowing tourists to use a single card for transportation and shopping, thus avoiding the need for multiple payment methods.

This program is specifically targeted at independent travelers and does not apply to organized tour groups. The Ministry stated its goal is to provide foreign guests with a comfortable and financially manageable way to explore the country. The pass is available digitally via a smartphone barcode or as a physical card, which can be ordered through major international booking services and special applications. Tourists arriving in South Korea can obtain a physical card at major airports like Incheon, Gimpo, or Gimhae, as well as at central train stations in various cities.