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[Sports Seoul | By Wi Soo-jung] This month, a lively new campaign is rolling out to bring the thrill of summer beach trips forward to May — and give coastal economies a welcome jolt.
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (Minister Choi Hwi-young) announced a monthlong marine tourism initiative called \”May Is the Month to Go to the Sea,\” launched in partnership with the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries (Minister Hwang Jong-woo) and the Korea Tourism Organization (President Park Seong-hyeok). As part of the 2026 Spring Travel program, the campaign — emblazoned with the slogan \”Wave after wave, a fresh seaside escape\” — spotlights the many charms of Korea’s coastal towns.
This year’s push puts the emphasis on longer stays, beefing up perks and programs so visitors can savor local flavors and culture more deeply.
The headline offering, Chef’s Seaside Table, pairs two high-profile chefs — Jung Ho-young and Kim Seong-woon — with guided seafood market tours and seasonal seafood dinners. Chef Jung will host the East Coast sessions (May 9–10), while Chef Kim leads events on the West Coast (May 30–31). The experience promises an intimate look at regional food culture; applications are being accepted via the official site (바다가는달.kr), and each session will welcome 25 guests.
Across coastal Korea, 32 region-specific programs are slated to run, from a pet-friendly itinerary in Taean and island walking tours in Gunsan to a seaside music concert in Uljin. The lineup mixes leisure, wellness, and foodie experiences designed to lure curious travelers.
Travelers will also find meaningful savings. In coordination with the Spring Travel campaign, coastal stays will offer discounts of up to 30,000 KRW (approximately $22.50) per night, and up to 50,000 KRW (approximately $37.50) for two-night or longer stays. Marine leisure activities and tour packages will be available at reduced prices, too — a tidy incentive for spring getaway plans.
Kang Jeong-won, director of tourism policy at the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, said, “We want to reshape the public’s view of the sea — from a summer-only playground to a place people want to visit anytime. We’ve prepared for this by continuously developing unique marine content and encouraging longer stays in coastal areas to create more enjoyable travel experiences.” wsj0114@sportsseoul.com
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