Public Times — If you’ve been dreaming of an island getaway, here’s one to bookmark: during the Yeosu World Islands Expo (running from September through November), the government will provide a ₩100,000 (approximately $75) lodging subsidy to citizens who visit an island and stay at least one night.
The Ministry of the Interior and Safety announced the support measures at a proclamation ceremony for the 2026 \"Year of Visiting Islands\" held on the 2nd at Yi Sun-sin Square in Yeosu, Jeollanam-do.
The \"Year of Visiting Islands,\" launched for the first time this year, aims to reframe the previously underappreciated tourism value of Korea’s islands, introduce their charms to a wider public, and promote balanced regional development.
To start, the ministry will subsidize lodging for tourists who visit an island and stay at least one night during the summer vacation period (July–August) and during the 2026 Yeosu World Islands Expo (Sept. 5–Nov. 4).
Eligibility criteria and application details will be available on the dedicated website, which goes live on the 18th of this month: www.visitisland.kr.
Jeollanam-do will run its own \"Year of Visiting Jeollanam-do Islands\" program and offer travel support up to ₩100,000 (approximately $75). To amplify the initiative, the Korea Tourism Organization will host a September accommodation discount event, the Accommodation Sale Festa.
Before the proclamation, island residents appointed celebrity ambassadors — comedian Yoon Taek, chef Jeong Ji-seon, camping YouTuber Rirang, running YouTuber Ahn Jung-eun, and singer Ahn Seong-hoon — who visited Yeosu-area islands such as Gaedo, Hwahwa-do, Nangdo and Sado to meet locals and take part in hands-on experiences.
Yoon Taek toured Gaedo’s top sights and visited a sub-venue of the 2026 Yeosu World Islands Expo to review preparations and speak with community members.
Chef Jeong Ji-seon and Rirang led a cooking workshop on Hwahwa-do using the island’s signature ingredient, garlic chives (buchu), together with residents.
Ahn Seong-hoon performed a small concert for residents on Nangdo, and Ahn Jung-eun organized a \"Ssudam Run\" (plogging) event on Sado.
Under the 2026 initiative, the ministry will also roll out participatory programs designed to help people build lasting connections with the islands.
These include a \"One Person, One Island\" campaign that issues participants a digital island-resident ID, matching travelers with a \"companion island\" based on their travel preferences, and events that grant honorary island-resident status.
They also plan to broaden public engagement through an annual certification event that encourages visits to 88 specially selected must-see islands.
The proclamation ceremony was attended by key officials, including Vice Minister Kim Min-jae; Hwang Gi-yeon, Vice Governor of Jeollanam-do; Jeong Hyun-gu, Yeosu Deputy Mayor; and Cho Seong-hwan, director of the Korea Islands Promotion Agency.
Vice Minister Kim said, \"Our country is an archipelagic tourism nation with 3,390 beautiful islands, each with its own unique charm and value. I hope the 2026 Year of Visiting Islands encourages more citizens to visit islands and enjoy special trips with family and friends.\"
Reporter Kim Hyun-jung hyun9593@public25.com
