Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) Hosts K-Tourism Value-Up Welcoming Promotion for Inbound Tourists at Incheon Port International Passenger Terminal

 
The Korea Tourism Organization (President Park Sung-hyuk, hereafter KTO) is holding a joint public-private "K-Tourism Value-Up Promotion" for Chinese tourists arriving via car ferry at the Incheon Port International Passenger Terminal on September 29 and 30. This promotion was organized to sustain the momentum of tourism to Korea via Korea-China car ferries, centering around the "Incheon Port Ferry Inbound Value-Up Consultative Body" launched in early September.

Under the theme "Take Good Fortune Home from Korea," the KTO, Incheon Port Authority, Incheon Tourism Organization, and Ottogi Co., Ltd. are jointly presenting a variety of K-culture programs through September 30. The KTO will welcome inbound travelers with traditional samulnori (percussion quartet) performances during the morning arrival times of the car ferries over the two-day period. In the afternoon, a lucky message photo zone featuring the KTO character "Kingdom Friends" will be operated for departing tourists, alongside a social media verification event. The Incheon Port Authority is presenting diverse performances, including a brass ensemble in collaboration with the Korea Coast Guard band, while jointly distributing special souvenirs to arriving tourists with the Incheon Tourism Organization. A food truck in collaboration with Ottogi Co., Ltd. is also scheduled to operate on September 30.

Kwak Dae-young, Head of the KTO Gyeongin Regional Office, stated, "Ahead of China's National Day holiday—one of its biggest festive seasons—we have joined forces with related organizations and industries to warmly welcome Chinese tourists visiting Korea via car ferry. We hope this promotion will further vitalize maritime inbound tourism through Incheon Port and serve as an opportunity for car ferries to be recognized not merely as a means of transportation, but as an enjoyable tourism content in and of themselves."

Meanwhile, Korea-China car ferry passenger routes via Incheon Port have been resuming sequentially since 2023, showing a gradual recovery. Total passenger volume reached 414,000 in 2025, maintaining a continuous upward trend with a 22.46% increase through August of this year compared to the same period last year.