Jeju Island Welcomes More than One Hundred Thousand Group Tourists in 2025, Backed by its Government Incentives and Continued Support for their Tourism Growth

The island of Jeju has recorded a remarkable increase in the number of group tourists, with more than 110,000 visitors in 2025 alone as a result of the Jeju Government’s group tourism benefit scheme. The scheme, in which the visitors received a subsidy of 30,000 won (~$21 per person), played a major role in the increase in the number of different groups visiting the island for reunions, hobby groups, and sports groups. The success in the implementation of the scheme has led to the Jeju Government confirming the scheme for 2026.

2025 Group Tourism Numbers and Demographics

According to the Jeju government, the 2025 group-tour incentive program helped attract approximately 2,600 groups, totaling around 112,000 visitors to the island. Among the different types of group travelers, alum reunions, alum associations, hobby clubs, and sports groups made up the largest share, with 51,612 visitors participating. School trips followed closely, with 33,580 visitors, while tour-agency package groups contributed 19,093 visitors to the overall total.

The program, which provided eligible visitors with Tamna Jeon—Jeju Island’s local currency—allowed them to use the funds immediately upon arrival, making it a convenient and attractive incentive for group travelers. The incentive, set at 30,000 won per person, was designed to encourage both domestic and international tourism while fostering the growth of group travel to the island.

Flexible Requirements and Continued Incentives for 2026

The Jeju government has confirmed that it will continue offering this incentive program into 2026, further solidifying its commitment to rebounding tourism and supporting group travel. The requirements for eligibility vary depending on the type of group, but the program offers significant flexibility to encourage diverse travel experiences.

For example, alums and sports-related groups qualify for the incentive once a year, with a minimum of 15 participants needed to be eligible. Agreement-based groups, such as business groups and tour agencies, can submit an unlimited number of claims. Additionally, sister-city partner groups have the opportunity to submit up to two claims per year, providing added support for these international partnerships.

Economic Impact and Future Incentive Growth for Jeju Island Tourism

The group-tour incentive program is a key component of Jeju Island’s broader efforts to stimulate tourism recovery post-pandemic. By offering financial incentives to group travelers, the program has not only boosted the island’s tourism numbers but also contributed to local economic growth. Visitors spend the Tamna Jeon at local businesses, restaurants, and attractions, which directly benefits Jeju’s hospitality sector, tourism infrastructure, and retail economy.

Looking forward, the Jeju government’s ongoing support for group tourism is expected to play a crucial role in the island’s continued tourism growth. As international travel resumes and group travel gains popularity again, the program will likely see further expansion in the number of visitors. The flexible eligibility requirements ensure that diverse types of groups, from families to corporate groups, can take advantage of the incentives.

Future Impact on Tourism Incentive Programs and Regional Growth

The success of the group-tour incentive program positions Jeju Island as a leader in tourism incentive strategies, and its continued support is expected to have long-term benefits for both tourism growth and the local economy. As the world increasingly embraces group tourism, other regions may look to Jeju’s model as a guide for boosting visitor numbers and fostering sustainable tourism. This could lead to the development of similar programs in other popular travel destinations, encouraging group travel and tourism diversity worldwide.

In 2026, the program’s continued success will likely drive increased tourism arrivals, benefiting Jeju Island as it capitalizes on group tourism and the economic opportunities it brings. The flexibility in the program’s structure, particularly the unlimited claims for business and agreement-based groups, further emphasizes Jeju’s focus on sustaining tourism growth and supporting long-term economic recovery in the tourism sector.

Looking Ahead: More Growth for Jeju’s Tourism Industry

The group-tour incentive program is a forward-thinking initiative that aligns with Jeju’s broader goals of becoming a top-tier destination for both leisure and business tourism. As demand for group travel continues to increase, Jeju Island is well-positioned to capture a larger share of the global tourism market. The government incentives will continue to fuel growth in the tourism sector, helping Jeju meet its long-term tourism targets while supporting the local economy.

As Jeju continues to strengthen its position as a regional hub for group tourism, future iterations of the incentive program could see additional benefits such as expanded group sizes, greater frequency of claims, and wider inclusivity for travelers from more regions. This could further elevate Jeju’s tourism appeal and contribute to the island’s long-term success in the competitive global tourism market.

Jeju Island’s Group Tourism Boom and Future Incentive Growth

The success of the group tourist incentive scheme on Jeju Island is a clear indication of the profound effects of selective tourist incentives on the development of a region. The reinforcement of the tourist initiative in 2026 is expected to promote tourist resilience, economic diversification, as well as the overall development of the tourist industry in Jeju Island. With the steady increase in the number of group tourists, the financial benefits will help the island cement its position as a prime tourist destination in the world.

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