Travelers make their way to trains at Seoul Station in central Seoul on Aug. 2. YONHAP More of Korea is within reach for less money. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism will expand its domestic travel subsidy program by adding nine more regions in the second half of the year after a successful pilot launch in the first half. The program reimburses 50 percent of tourism expenses for travelers visiting regions experiencing population decline. The newly added regions include Andong and Yeongcheon in North Gyeongsang; Seocheon County, South Chungcheong; and Goseong County, South Gyeongsang. 체리마스터 Participants can receive up to 100,000 won ($72) reimbursement in local consumption vouchers per person. Travelers aged 34 and under can receive 140,000 won. The initiative was first piloted in April with 16 locations, including Pyeongchang, Gangwon; Miryang, South Gyeongsang; and Jecheon, North Chungcheong. The initiative has proven to be a success with travelers not only increasing their spending but also putting the participating regions on the map for consideration for future trips. Participants spent a total of 16.2 billion won during their excursions — more than three times the 5.2 billion won handed out as reimbursements. 릴게임매장 A whopping 76.4 percent of travelers have reportedly increased their spending with the expected reimbursement in mind. Travel expenses were divided fairly across categories, with 45.5 percent spent on food and 32.2 percent spent on lodging. Approximately 76.4 percent of the travelers said they have increased their spending budget with the expected subsidy in mind. International influencers pose for a group photo during a travel program hosted by the Korea Tourism Organization in Jeonju, North Jeolla. BAEK JONG-HYUN Not only did the travelers become bigger spenders, but they also became more adventurous. 모바일 바다이야기오락실 One-third of the participants said the program motivated them to take a trip they otherwise wouldn’t have. Half of the respondents changed their travel destinations specifically to participate in the program, and 56.3 percent of all participants said they visited their chosen destinations for the first time. “The half-off travel initiative not only alleviates the burden of travel costs but also breathes life into regions with declining populations,” said Kang Jung-won, the head of the Tourism Policy Bureau at the Culture Ministry. “We will continue working with local governments to successfully carry on this beloved initiative.” BY LEE JI-WON [] Policy Bu