The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of South Korea, in collaboration with the Korea Tourism Organization, is operating the Digital Tourism Resident Card system to revitalize regions struggling with population decline. This initiative allows tourists to become "honorary residents" of the regions for a certain period and receive various benefits such as discounts on accommodations, food and beverages, and local experiences. The program is gaining attention as a policy service that stimulates both regional tourism and local economies.

Initially piloted in 2022 in Pyeongchang, Gangwon State and Okcheon, Chungcheongbuk-do, the Tourism Resident Card system has gradually expanded. As of 2025, it is now available in 44 locations nationwide, the cumulative number of card issued exceeded 4 million.

This covers about half of the 89 areas designated by the South Korean government as population-declining regions. Tourists can easily issue a Digital Tourism Resident Card for any of these areas via mobile devices, regardless of their actual address, and enjoy discounts at over 1,000 affiliated tourism facilities.

Additionally, by simply obtaining the card, it is possible for users to participate in prize draws for airline tickets, hotel stays, and experience vouchers. There are also transportation benefits, including special discounts on high-speed trains (KTX) and exclusive train travel packages for cardholders. The service is expected to expand further, allowing users to issue and use the Tourism Resident Card through various finance and transportation apps.

· Source: Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism