Travel expense support for island visits runs Oct. 1–Nov. 4 as part of '2026 Year of Island Visits'

Visitors to Yeosu islands get 50% ferry discount tied to 2026 Yeosu World Islands Expo

Foreign visitors browse exhibition and experience booths at the International Exchange Island venue of the 2026 Yeosu World Islands Expo in Yeosu, South Jeolla Province, on Saturday. [Yonhap]
Foreign visitors browse exhibition and experience booths at the International Exchange Island venue of the 2026 Yeosu World Islands Expo in Yeosu, South Jeolla Province, on Saturday. [Yonhap]

The Ministry of Interior and Safety announced Monday that travelers who spend at least one night on an island between Oct. 1 and Nov. 4 will be eligible for up to 100,000 won ($74) in travel expense support as part of the "2026 Year of Island Visits" initiative.

The program, aimed at encouraging island tourism and boosting local economies, is running for the second time following its initial launch in July and August.

This round is tied to the 2026 Yeosu World Islands Expo, which runs from Saturday through Nov. 4. The support window was set to align with the expo so that attendees can also visit the various islands around Yeosu, and the budget allocated for Yeosu-area islands has been significantly expanded.

Eligibility mirrors the first round: the support is open to travelers — applying as a group — who visit islands accessible only by ferry, with no land connection to the mainland. Covered expenses include accommodation, meals, ferry fares and grocery purchases made on the island.

Pre-registration opens at 10 a.m. Tuesday and runs through 6 p.m. on Sept. 21 on the official "2026 Year of Island Visits" website. If applications exceed the available slots, recipients will be chosen by lottery, and those selected will be notified by text message.

Selected applicants must complete their island trip within the designated period and then submit supporting documents — including round-trip ferry tickets and receipts — to receive reimbursement of up to 100,000 won after verification.

The list of eligible islands and detailed application instructions are available on the official website.

The sea and islands stretch beyond the main venue of the 2026 Yeosu World Islands Expo in Jinmo District, Dolsan-eup, Yeosu, South Jeolla Province, on Saturday. [Yonhap]
The sea and islands stretch beyond the main venue of the 2026 Yeosu World Islands Expo in Jinmo District, Dolsan-eup, Yeosu, South Jeolla Province, on Saturday. [Yonhap]

During the 2026 Yeosu World Islands Expo, Yeosu is also offering special benefits for visitors from outside the region.

From September through December, out-of-town visitors to Yeosu's islands can receive a 50 percent discount on ferry fares. Details are available on the Korea Shipowners' Association ferry booking website, and the offer may close early once the budget is exhausted.

Jin Myeong-gi, director general for autonomous innovation at the Ministry of Interior and Safety, said many people dream of visiting an island but hesitate because of the cost. "We hope this opportunity encourages more people to visit, experience the stunning natural scenery, unique culture and local food, and discover the true appeal of island travel," he said. "The government will continue to provide policy support so that islands can take another step forward as beloved tourist destinations for the public."


thlee@heraldcorp.com