Quick answer: In July 2026 the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism named Busan's Haeundae and Gyeongju as Korea's first Global Tourism Special Zones, funding visitor content and services through 2027. Explera DMC Korea follows what each zone adds, from night programmes to digital payments, and builds the useful parts into Busan and Gyeongju itineraries.
What is a Global Tourism Special Zone?
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism chose Haeundae District in Busan and Gyeongju in North Gyeongsang Province on 31 July 2026 as the first two sites of its Global Tourism Special Zone project. The aim is places where international visitors stay longer, not just pass through.
Funding runs for two years, 2026 and 2027, from the central government with local money on top. It goes to content and visitor services rather than new buildings, so the changes will show up as programmes and services, not construction sites.
What changes in Haeundae and Gyeongju?
- Haeundae. The zone takes in Haeundae and Songjeong beaches, the Busan Cinema Center, Nurimaru APEC House, BEXCO and Dalmaji Hill. Plans include regular programmes along Dalmaji-gil, night events, unstaffed AI tourist information points and digital payments.
- Gyeongju. The city plans more night tour programmes, tourist taxis with foreign-language service, and mobile payments for international visitors.
What it means for group programmes
- Stay, do not stop. Both zones are built around longer stays, which supports two nights in Busan or Gyeongju rather than a day stop on the way somewhere else.
- More evening options. New night programmes give us evening slots, and we confirm each one is actually running before it goes into a quote.
- Easier free time. Digital payments and information points help clients on their own; the guide still runs the group day.
- It rolls out over two years. Not everything will be live for every date, so we check what is open for your travel window.
Planned with the agent
Explera DMC Korea builds Busan and Gyeongju into Korea programmes with hotels, coaches, guides and timing confirmed together.
Send your dates, pax and requirements to b2b@explera.kr or WhatsApp +66 93 656 8090. Explera DMC Korea is IATA TIDS-registered (96215733) and an ASTA member (#900408341); our KTO and KATA registrations are in application.
Where this fits in our Korea programmes
The pages below carry the operational detail behind this briefing.
- Services: Group travel & GIT in Korea · Tours & activities in Korea · Transportation & coaches in Korea
- Destinations: Busan · Gyeongju · Seoul
Frequently asked questions
Which areas were named Global Tourism Special Zones?
Haeundae District in Busan and Gyeongju in North Gyeongsang Province, the first two sites of the project.
Who made the designation, and when?
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, on 31 July 2026.
How long does the funding run?
Two years, 2026 and 2027, with central government money matched by local funding, spent on content and visitor services rather than construction.
Does the designation change entry rules for visitors?
No. It is a tourism development project; entry and visa rules for Korea are unchanged by it.
