Sunday, August 25, 2024 Spending the night at a boutique hotel in Seongsu-dong, exploring the trendy shops of eastern Seoul, indulging in cosmetic treatments, and visiting the production studio of the tvN drama series “Queen of Tears” are just some of the highlights. Other experiences include cycling along the Han River and exploring the lively seafood market in Sokcho, Gangwon. The government is set to enhance 16 specially curated tourist programs, crafted by 12 local travel companies, aimed at attracting Chinese group tours to boost inbound tourism.

These 16 programs were selected through an open competition held from July 15 to 29, where the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism invited submissions from local travel agencies specializing in Chinese group tourism, known as Youke. Among the selected programs, five emphasize K-culture, three focus on leisure and sports, two on peace and national security, three on wellness and relaxation, and three on regional tourism. Some of the experiences include engaging with 2024 Hallyu content, cycling along three major rivers for sport trainees and students, exploring the Demilitarized Zone’s natural beauty and learning about peace history, and rejuvenating at temples in Gangwon.

The selected travel agencies will be recognized as “quality projects” by the government, receiving financial support for marketing and promotion. They will also have the chance to showcase their programs at travel fairs in China, according to the .