The “Year of Island Visits” is a new initiative designed to re-evaluate and elevate the tourism value of Korea’s often-overlooked islands. The ministry aims to introduce more citizens to island travel and to promote balanced regional development through increased tourism activity.
The ministry will subsidize lodging costs for travelers who stay at least one night on islands during the summer holiday season (July–August) and during the 2026 Yeosu World Islands Expo (Sept. 5–Nov. 4). Detailed eligibility criteria and application procedures will be posted on a dedicated website scheduled to go live on the 18th.
Jeollanam-do is launching its own “Jeonnam Year of Island Visits” program and will also offer travel subsidies of up to 100,000 KRW (about $75). The Korea Tourism Organization will run a September island accommodation discount promotion (the “Stay Sale Festa”) alongside these initiatives to generate additional momentum.
The ministry held a proclamation ceremony at 3 p.m. on that day at Yi Sun-sin Square in Yeosu, Jeollanam-do, to formally announce 2026 as the Year of Island Visits. Attendees included Vice Minister Kim Min-jae of the Ministry of the Interior and Safety; Hwang Gi-yeon, vice governor of Jeollanam-do; Jeong Hyun-gu, vice mayor of Yeosu; and Cho Seong-hwan, president of the Korea Islands Promotion Agency, among other officials.
Building on the Year of Island Visits, the ministry plans a series of participatory programs to help citizens form lasting connections with islands. One campaign, “One Person, One Island,” will issue participants a digital island resident ID, pair them with an adopted island, and offer honorary island-resident status through events. The ministry will also expand island tourism participation through an annual certification program that encourages visits to 88 selected islands.
“Our country is an archipelagic tourism nation with 3,390 beautiful islands, each with its own distinct charm and value,” Vice Minister Kim Min-jae said. “I hope the Year of Island Visits in 2026 will encourage more citizens to visit our islands and to enjoy memorable trips with family and friends.”
