The Korean government is launching a “half-price travel” initiative that reimburses half of travelers’ expenses when they visit designated rural regions facing population decline. Starting in April, visitors to 16 selected localities will receive 50 percent of their travel costs back in the form of mobile regional gift certificates. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism recently announced that, together with the Korea Tourism Organization, it has chosen 16 local governments to participate in a pilot travel project, running from April to June. The selected areas are PyeongChang, Yeongwol and Hoengseong in Gangwon Province; Jecheon in North Chungcheong; Gochang in North Jeolla; Gangjin, Yeonggwang, Haenam, Goheung, Wando and Yeongam in South Jeolla; and Miryang, Hadong, Hapcheon, Geochang and Namhae in South Gyeongsang. Any Korean citizen aged 18 or older can apply in advance by submitting a travel plan to a participating municipality. After completing the trip, travelers may claim reimbursement by providing receipts and proof of expenditure. Upon approval, half of the verified