SEOUL — The Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) has officially launched recruitment for its highly anticipated "5-Color, 5-Preference Travel" campaign, inviting travelers to explore South Korea's lesser-known regions through customized thematic experiences.

Running until September 30, the program aims to draw 700 participants for 25 distinct day-trip packages this autumn. By pairing popular celebrities and experts with regional hidden gems, the initiative addresses depopulation in rural areas while catering to modern travelers' desire for authentic, hobby-driven itineraries.

5 Unique Themes, 5 Celebrity Guides

The initiative features five distinct categories, each hosted by a renowned public figure:

Healing & Nature: Feng Shui expert Park Sung-joon leads hikers up serene mountains.
Action & Energy: K-pop idol Wooyoung of 2PM drives high-energy outdoor activities.
Ecology & Wildlife: Actor Kim Suk-hoon guides eco-conscious travelers in bird-watching and nature preservation.
Culinary Arts: Chef Lee Moon-jung explores regional seasonal delicacies.
Family Bonding: Content creators Jiji Bubu host cozy, family-friendly picnic excursions.
Boosting Local Tourism Through Personalization
Building on the success of the spring iteration, which saw enthusiastic reviews from participants exploring coastal trails in Samcheok, KTO emphasizes passion-driven tourism.

"This campaign shifts the focus from where you travel to what you love," said Kim Seok-il, KTO's Domestic Tourism Promotion Team Leader. "By connecting personal hobbies with regional exploration, we hope to revitalize local economies in population-declining areas."

How to Apply

South Korean citizens can submit applications via the official "Traveling Month" website through September 30. Selected participants will be chosen via a random lottery system to enjoy these exclusive, celebrity-accompanied day tours.