KTO launches campaign to draw int'l tourists beyond capital city

In a major push to disperse tourist traffic beyond Seoul, tourism officials in Korea launched a national campaign Wednesday aimed at helping international travelers navigate the country’s regional heartland directly from provincial airports and seaports. The initiative, dubbed Unlock Your Korea: Go Local, is spearheaded by the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) and will run through Dec. 13. By targeting secondary entry hubs — including regional airports in Cheongju, Daegu and Gimhae, alongside major seaport terminals in Incheon, Pyeongtaek, and Gunsan — the campaign seeks to dismantle the logistical hurdles that traditionally keep overseas travelers tethered to the capital. "We want to ensure that the moment foreign visitors arrive through regional airports and ports, they can easily access travel information and enjoy the unique charm of our local culture," said Min Byung-sun, head of the KTO’s Tourism Industry Division. The campaign targets two major challenges for foreign tourists traveling outside the capital: paying for items and getting around. To make shopping easier, the g