✈️ Get 50% of Your Travel Costs Back in Miryang, Korea — The 2026 Half-Price Travel Program Explained
Korea's national half-price travel initiative is LIVE in Miryang in 2026 — get up to 100,000 KRW (~$74 USD) refunded per person when you visit this hidden-gem city in South Gyeongsang Province. 3 hours from Seoul by train, and most travelers don't even know this deal exists. Here's the complete guide: how to apply, what qualifies, and how to collect your refund. 🎉
※ Please verify current application schedules and availability on official channels before planning your trip, as details vary by municipality and round.
The Korea Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism launched a national "Half-Price Travel" initiative in 2026 to revitalize rural cities facing population decline. Miryang — a city of Joseon-era temples, the Nakdong River valley, and the famous Yeongnam-ru pavilion — is one of 16 designated cities. Travelers from outside Miryang who visit and spend money on accommodation, food, and activities can claim back 50% of their verified expenses as ZeroPay (제로페이) regional mobile gift certificates, up to 100,000 KRW (~$74 USD) per person or 200,000 KRW (~$148 USD) for a group of two or more.
This information is compiled from verified English-language reports by The Korea Times and the Chosun English edition, both of which confirmed Miryang's participation in the program. For the most current round-by-round application schedule, international visitors should check the Korea Tourism Organization's English portal at english.visitkorea.or.kr or Miryang City's official channels.
Looking for more budget-friendly travel programs in Korea? The Wando Half-Price Travel Korea 2026 guide covers a similar refund program for the beautiful island of Wando in South Jeolla Province.
📊 Miryang Half-Price Travel 2026 — Quick Overview
50% of your travel costs refunded as ZeroPay gift certificates — up to 100,000 KRW per person!
Korea's national rural tourism refund program is running from April through the end of 2026 in 16 participating cities, including Miryang in South Gyeongsang Province. Applications are submitted in advance online, and refunds are issued after your trip.
Program Period: April – end of 2026 (round-by-round, first-come first-served)
Eligible Travelers: Korean residents aged 18+ living outside Miryang / Note: currently targeted at domestic Korean travelers
Refund Amount: 50% of verified expenses, up to 100,000 KRW per person (~$74 USD)
Refund Method: ZeroPay (제로페이) regional mobile gift certificate, usable at Miryang partner shops
Each round fills up fast — check the KTO English portal for current availability!
Miryang Half-Price Travel — Key Details
April – December 2026 (Round-by-Round)
50% refund on accommodation, food and activities / Up to 100,000 KRW per person / 200,000 KRW for 2+ group / ZeroPay payment required at Miryang partner stores / Submit receipts within 7 days of travel / Check official KTO portal for round schedules.
Rounds sell out within hours — apply on the opening date!
1. What Exactly Is the Miryang Half-Price Travel Program?
Korea's National Rural Tourism Refund Initiative
The program was announced in early 2026 by Korea's Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism in partnership with the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO). Miryang is one of 16 cities selected from South Gyeongsang Province specifically because of ongoing rural depopulation — the government is using tourism incentives to bring economic activity and visitors to areas that are losing residents. The program is funded by a 6.5 billion KRW national budget and operates on a round-by-round, first-come-first-served basis per city. The June round, for example, was reported to have filled 1,500 team slots within 3 hours of opening, confirming how competitive the program is.
Important Note for International Visitors
As of the program's current structure, eligibility requires applicants to be Korean residents (aged 18+) living outside Miryang City. This means the program as structured primarily targets domestic Korean travelers rather than foreign tourists. However, foreign residents of Korea who are registered as local residents may potentially qualify — check the KTO English portal at english.visitkorea.or.kr for the most up-to-date eligibility criteria. Even for international visitors who may not qualify for the refund, Miryang itself is a genuinely rewarding destination that most foreign tourists overlook entirely, and the program reflects a broader government effort to open smaller Korean cities to tourism investment.
2. How the Refund Works — 4-Step Process
Step 1: Check the Current Round Schedule
Each city manages its own round calendar independently. For Miryang, check the Korea Tourism Organization's official English portal (english.visitkorea.or.kr) or Miryang City's official website (miryang.go.kr) for the current open round, application dates, and eligible travel periods. The national program was confirmed by The Korea Times and the Chosun English edition to be running from April through the end of 2026, with Miryang as a confirmed participating city. Rounds typically open on a specific date and close within hours, so monitoring the KTO portal is critical.
Step 2: Submit Your Travel Plan in Advance
Applications must be submitted at least 2 days before your intended travel date. You will need to provide your personal information, intended travel dates, and planned accommodation details. The application is handled through the Korea Tourism Organization's dedicated portal or the local government's tourism channel. Once approved, you will receive confirmation that allows you to proceed with your trip and collect eligible receipts.
Step 3: Pay with ZeroPay at Miryang Partner Stores
ZeroPay (제로페이) is Korea's government-backed mobile payment system. During your Miryang trip, you must pay using ZeroPay at registered partner businesses — accommodation, restaurants, activity providers, and local shops. Regular credit card or cash payments are not counted toward your refund. Download the ZeroPay app before your trip, and use the app's map function to identify ZeroPay-registered businesses near your accommodation and planned sightseeing spots. This small preparation step is the most common point where travelers miss out on eligible spending.
Step 4: Submit Receipts Within 7 Days and Collect Your Voucher
After completing your trip, submit your ZeroPay transaction receipts (screenshot or digital record) as proof of expenditure within 7 days. Once your claim is verified, 50% of your eligible spending is refunded in the form of ZeroPay regional mobile gift certificates. These vouchers must be used at Miryang partner businesses or online regional marketplaces before year-end 2026. Do not miss the 7-day window — late submissions are not accepted.
3. Where to Go in Miryang — Top 3 Spots for Foreign Visitors
Yeongnam-ru (영남루) — Korea's Finest Pavilion on the River
Yeongnam-ru is a Joseon Dynasty-era river pavilion that ranks alongside Jinjuseong's Chokseongnu and Pyongyang's Bubyeoklu as one of Korea's three greatest traditional pavilions. Perched above the Miryang River on a dramatic stone cliff, it offers panoramic views that have inspired Korean poets for centuries. The site is free to enter and features excellent English signage. From Miryang Station, it is a 15-minute walk or a short taxi ride (~3,000 KRW).
Pyochungsa Temple (표충사) — A Living Joseon Shrine
Pyochungsa is a Buddhist temple in the foothills of Jaeyaksan Mountain dedicated to S명대사 (Samyeong Daesa), the monk-general who led resistance fighters during the 1592 Japanese invasions — a towering historical figure roughly equivalent to a Korean Joan of Arc. The temple grounds are serene and well-preserved, with trails leading deeper into Jaeyaksan for hiking. Bus service runs from Miryang Bus Terminal to the temple, and the round trip takes about 1.5 hours including travel time.
Milyang Arirang Arts Village and Ice Valley (밀양 얼음골)
The Milyang Ice Valley (Eoreumgol) is a geological curiosity — a natural valley where ice forms inside rock crevices in the heat of summer, making it one of Korea's coolest summer destinations both literally and figuratively. Located on the slopes of Cheonhwangsan Mountain, it is accessible by local bus and is a popular summer escape for Korean families. Combined with the nearby Milyang Arirang Arts Village, which celebrates the traditional Korean folk song Arirang that originated in this region, it makes for a distinctive full-day cultural outing.
4. How to Get to Miryang from Seoul and Busan
Miryang sits along the KTX Gyeongbu Line, making it directly accessible from both Seoul and Busan. From Seoul's KTX Suseo Station, the journey takes approximately 2 hours 20 minutes (standard fare around 45,000–55,000 KRW / ~$32–$40 USD). From Busan, a regional train (Mugunghwa) takes only about 40 minutes and costs roughly 4,500 KRW (~$3 USD), making Miryang an easy half-day side trip from Busan. From Miryang Station, the city center and most major sights are accessible by local bus or taxi. For the best deals on KTX tickets, book through Trip.com or directly through Korail's website. Accommodation in Miryang tends to be very affordable — Agoda lists a range of guesthouses and business hotels close to the station.
5. Refund Amount Comparison by Group Size
| Group Size | Example Spending | Max Refund (50%) | Approx. USD |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | 200,000 KRW | Up to 100,000 KRW | ~$74 USD |
| 2 persons | 400,000 KRW | Up to 200,000 KRW | ~$148 USD |
| 3–4 persons | 600,000–800,000 KRW | Up to 300,000–400,000 KRW | ~$222–$296 USD |
| 5 persons (family) | 1,000,000 KRW | Up to 500,000 KRW | ~$370 USD |
| Refund method | ZeroPay mobile voucher | Use at Miryang partners | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Can international tourists (non-Korean residents) apply?
A. The program is primarily designed for Korean residents aged 18+ living outside Miryang. Foreign residents of Korea registered in the local system may qualify, but foreign tourists on short-term visas are generally not eligible for the refund. The KTO English portal (english.visitkorea.or.kr) is the best place to check the latest eligibility rules.
Q2. What exactly is ZeroPay?
A. ZeroPay (제로페이) is a Korean government-backed mobile QR code payment system that allows users to pay directly from their bank account. To earn the refund, you must pay at Miryang ZeroPay-registered businesses using the ZeroPay app. Install the app and link a Korean bank account before arriving in Miryang.
Q3. How long does it take to receive the refund?
A. After submitting your receipts within the 7-day window, processing time varies by municipality. Typically refunds are issued within a few weeks as ZeroPay mobile gift certificates. Check the Miryang City or KTO portal for the current processing timeline.
Q4. Can I visit Miryang as a side trip from Busan?
A. Absolutely — and it is one of the best day trips from Busan. The Mugunghwa train from Busan Station to Miryang Station takes only 40 minutes and costs about 4,500 KRW (~$3 USD). Yeongnam-ru, Pyochungsa Temple, and the Ice Valley are all manageable in a single full day.
More to Explore
Miryang is a great starting point for exploring lesser-known Korea. For more scenic mountain experiences in the region, check out the Tohamsan Camping Korea 2026 guide — a nature-packed camping destination near Gyeongju, also in the southern Korean inland belt. For unique cultural experiences accessible to foreign visitors, the BTS Busan Temple Stay guide covers a free Buddhist cultural program in nearby Busan.
Korea Event Map — Events, Travel, Festivals, Parks and Museums
Compiled from official sources and verified information to help foreign visitors plan their trip to Korea.
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