Korea's Global Tourism Zones: Haeundae and Gyeongju for Groups

Korea's Global Tourism Zones are the government's answer to a problem we see in almost every Korea quote: Seoul gets four nights and everywhere else gets one. Our Korea team has written up the Haeundae and Gyeongju designation in detail. Here is what matters for a group programme.

What Are Korea's Global Tourism Zones?

• Who and when. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism chose Haeundae District in Busan and Gyeongju in North Gyeongsang Province on 31 July 2026 as the first two sites.
• The aim. Places where international visitors stay longer instead of passing through.
• The money. Two years, 2026 and 2027, central funding with local money on top, spent on content and visitor services rather than new buildings.

What Changes on the Ground?

In Haeundae the zone takes in Haeundae and Songjeong beaches, the Busan Cinema Center, Nurimaru APEC House, BEXCO and Dalmaji Hill. Plans include regular programmes along Dalmaji-gil, night events, unstaffed AI tourist information points and digital payments. Gyeongju is planning more night tours, tourist taxis with foreign-language service and mobile payments for international visitors.

None of that is construction, which is the good part. It shows up as things a group can actually do in the evening.

How Do We Use It in a Programme?

We read it as a case for two nights rather than a day stop. Busan already holds a group well, and our Blueline Park note covers one of the easy coastal half-days. Gyeongju's heritage day is in our Gyeongju heritage guide, and a second night lets the new evening programmes do some work. The roll-out runs over two years, so we confirm each night event is running for your dates before it goes into a quote.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which areas were named Korea's first Global Tourism Zones?

Haeundae District in Busan and Gyeongju in North Gyeongsang Province.

When were Haeundae and Gyeongju designated?

On 31 July 2026, by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

How long does the Global Tourism Zone funding run?

Two years, 2026 and 2027, with central funding matched by local money and spent on content and visitor services rather than construction.

Does the designation change entry rules for visitors to Korea?

No. It is a tourism development project and leaves Korea's entry and visa rules unchanged.

Sources

• The Korea Times: Korea names historic and coastal hubs 'Global Tourism Zones' (31 July 2026)
• The Asia Business Daily: Haeundae becomes Korea's first Global Tourism Special Zone (31 July 2026)

Where Explera Fits

We plan Busan and Gyeongju through tours and experiences and transfers and transport. See our Korea destination page or visit the Explera DMC Korea website.

Write to b2b@explera.kr or message +66 93 656 8090 on WhatsApp. Explera DMC is IATA TIDS-registered (96215733) and an ASTA member (900408341); our KTO and KATA registrations in Korea are in application.