Wonju, October 4 - The Korea National Park Service (KNPS, Chairman Song Hyung-geun), an affiliate of the Ministry of Environment, will add island and ocean tours to its "National park passport tour program" from October 1. The program is for visitors to enjoy the national parks more. KNPS launched the "National park passport tour program" in July 2020 in twenty-one national parks in Korea, issuing 10,000 copies of booklets (or passports). Following an additional issuance of 30,000 copies, KNPS distributed another 40,000 copies the following year when it included Hallasan Mountain in the tour program. With 20,000 copies issued this year, KNPS has issued a total of 100,000 booklets (or passports) so far. The "National park passport tour programs" offer visitors booklets called a passport to collect stamps from multiple locations, such as each national park's information centers, nature centers, and learning centers.

The new booklet of islands and oceans lists four national parks, including Hallyeohaesang, Taeanhaean, Dadohaehaesang, and Byeonsanbando National Parks, and twenty islands and seas. Five thousand copies of the new booklet on islands and oceans will be distributed to the public from October 1 in twenty-two locations of the national parks on a first-come, first-served basis. The other five thousand copiers will be available through the official KNPS website (knps.or.kr) from October 5, 9 AM on a first-come, first-served basis. Visitors holding booklets (or passports) can acquire stamps from twenty different locations. Each stamp is unique and shows images of the area's local aspects, including the national parks' seascapes, animals, and cultural assets. The tour program encourages visitors to find national parks' attractions by collecting stamps. Some stamp images show the Turtle Ship (Geobukseon) and the fairy pitta of Hansando Island (Hallyeohaesang National Park), Nammunbawi Rock and Dendrobium moniliforme of Hongdo Island (Dadohaehaesang National Park), sunset and French hydrangea of Gijipo Beach (Taeanhaean National Park), and Chaeseokgang Cliff (Byeonsanbando National Park). 

"National park passport tour program for islands and oceans" will be available until December 31, 2025. Participants can receive souvenirs by submitting an application and a passport with a minimum of ten stamps.

Two types of souvenirs-a medal and a certification-will be given to each set of ten stamps. More information on the "National park passport tour program for islands and oceans" will be available on the KNPS website from September 28.

Those who hold existing and new booklets (or passports) can get a discount of 5-10 percent at the 270 local stores nearby the national parks. Discounts are available at 202 restaurants and cafes, 15 accommodations, 12 specialty shops, 24 goods shops, and 17 other places. Details will be available on the KNPS website.

Furthermore, the KNPS will be holding a video contest for the national park passport tour in October to celebrate the launching of the island & ocean tour. Applicants may join the competition by uploading videos on how to enjoy marine and coastal national parks, ecological tours, and other experiences that can be done using the passport to their YouTube channels and send the application via email at knps7777@ knps.or.kr. First (1 person), second (1 person), and third (3 people) place winners will receive KNPS Chairman awards with a cash prize of KRW 1 million, KRW 300,000, and KRW 200,000, respectively.

"This event has been planned to offer people special and memorable moments during their island and ocean tours in national parks of Korea," said Chairman of the KNPS Song Hyung-geun.

Contact: Park Gang-eun

Korea National Parks Service / +82-(0)33-769-9555

Foreign Media Contact: Chun Minjo(Rachel)

+82-(0)44-201-6055 / rachelmchun@korea.kr