YANGJU — Yangju, a city in Gyeonggi Province, is turning to tourism rewards to channel visitor traffic into local businesses. Tourists who spend at least 80,000 won in the city's western district can get up to 40,000 won back, under a plan designed to draw visitors and lift local spending at the same time.
The city said on the 30th that it will run a pilot tourism spending reward program, titled "Spend in Yangju, Yangju Gives More," from October through the end of November. Marking the 40th anniversary of Jangheung's designation as a tourist site, the program is intended to promote tourism resources in Jangheung and the rest of the western district while increasing spending at restaurants, cafes and lodging facilities.
The program is open to tourists aged 19 and over whose registered residence is outside Yangju. Spending for tourism purposes in the western district — including Baekseok-eup, Eunhyeon-myeon, Nam-myeon, Gwangjeok-myeon and Jangheung-myeon — is added up, and each participant can receive up to 40,000 won in rewards once.
Tourists who spend at least 40,000 won at tourism, cultural and experience facilities, as well as restaurants, cafes and lodging businesses, receive a Yangju Love Card worth 20,000 won. The amount rises to 40,000 won for those who spend at least 80,000 won.
Souvenirs will also be given out based on the amount spent. Tourists who spend between 50,000 won and 80,000 won, or 90,000 won or more, will receive souvenirs that differ by spending tier.
The Yangju Love Card can be used at affiliated merchants across the city, which the city expects will encourage additional spending and repeat visits. Officials said the program is focused not simply on attracting tourists but on channeling actual spending into the local economy.
Tourists who want to take part must review the notice posted on the city website at least five days before their planned visit, then submit an application and other required documents by email to the official in charge. Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, and those selected after eligibility checks will receive instructions by text message.
Selected tourists travel in the western district on the date they applied for, then apply for the reward at a designated tourist information center with paper receipts and identification. After verifying eligibility, the city will send the Yangju Love Card by registered mail within 10 days of the application.
The program may end early if the budget runs out. Details are available in the notices section of the Yangju city website, and inquiries can be directed to the tourism promotion team of the culture and tourism division.
"With the 40th anniversary of Jangheung's designation as a tourist site, we hope this becomes an occasion for tourists to rediscover the appeal of Jangheung and travel throughout the western district," a Yangju city official said. "Through programs that link tourism resources with local businesses, we will work to attract visitors and revitalize the local economy."
