Get 50% of your travel spending back in local gift certificates…Plus up to ₩10,000 (≈ $7) extra for Geoga Bridge tolls; lodging, attractions, traditional markets and social-media–linked visitor activities
Geoje City is rolling out a pilot program, the 2026 \"Shimkkung–Seomkkung\" Geoje Half-Price Trip, aimed at drawing more visitors and boosting local spending.
The program is open to groups of 2–4 travelers who live outside Geoje and stay in the city for at least one night. Teams can submit proof of eligible purchases made during their trip within seven days after returning; the city will refund 50% of those purchases in local gift certificates, up to ₩200,000 (≈ $136). The goal is simple: get visitors to stay longer and spend more in town.
Interested teams can pre-register online only via the Geoje Half-Price Trip website from the 13th through the 29th of next month. Registration may close early if the budget runs out. Actual travel dates run from the 15th through the 31st of next month, and teams that meet the program requirements after their trip will receive the subsidy.
To qualify for the subsidy, teams must complete all four missions: stay at a local lodging for at least one night; visit at least one paid attraction and one traditional market; post personal promotion on social media (including photos of all team members); and spend at least ₩100,000 (≈ $68) on eligible purchases.
The program encourages spending across the local economy—think admission fees, experience fees, boat rides, and meals at restaurants and cafes—but certain items are excluded from the subsidy calculation, including lodging fees, rental cars, fuel, and expenses at adult entertainment venues.
The subsidy is paid as Geoje Love gift certificates (mobile), up to ₩200,000 (≈ $136) per team. Visitors who use the Geoga Bridge will receive an additional 50% of the toll (up to ₩10,000 (≈ $7)) on top of that subsidy. All payments used as proof must be made in the name of a single team representative (age 19 or older) via credit card or a cash receipt.
For registration and questions about the subsidy, visit the Geoje Half-Price Trip website or call the main consultation number listed there.
\"This program gives visitors real value while driving local spending through a hands-on tourism policy,\" said Jeon Je-jong, head of the Tourism Division. \"We’ll use this pilot to analyze demand and satisfaction and consider expanding it in the future.\"
Gyeongnam = Jeong Dojeong, reporter sos6831@viva100.com
