'Digital Tourism Resident Card' Saving Local Cities Now Receives Legal Protection
Recently, the Korean government established a new legal basis to help local cities struggling with population decline. Specifically, it has formalized the 'Digital Tourism Resident Card' project. This initiative aims to revitalize local economies by providing tourists with benefits similar to those of local residents in specific regions.
Currently, many local cities in Korea are facing a 'population extinction crisis' due to rapid population decline. When the number of people living in a town decreases, restaurants and shops close down, and eventually, the entire region loses its vitality. To solve this problem, the government is promoting policies that encourage people to visit and stay in local areas more frequently.
The Digital Tourism Resident Card is a type of 'honorary resident card' that tourists can obtain through a mobile app, even if they do not actually live in the area. With this card, they can receive discounts on entrance fees to local tourist attractions and enjoy various benefits at restaurants and accommodation facilities. This allows tourists to enjoy their travels at a lower cost, while local merchants can welcome more customers.
Until now, this project has been operated on a pilot basis by some local governments and the Korea Tourism Organization. However, with the recent amendment of relevant laws, it has become an officially recognized national project. As the legal basis has become clear, more budget support is expected, and the areas providing the service are projected to expand nationwide.
The government expects that this legal amendment will further stimulate exchange between urban and local areas. Attention is focused on whether the Digital Tourism Resident Card can move beyond being a simple tool for travel benefits and play a crucial role in breathing new life into disappearing local cities.