**Winter Promotion for ‘Employee Vacation Support’ until the 31st: Hotel Resort Accommodations & Winter Leisure Goods Discount**
Even with the year-end nearing, many employees find it difficult to recall when they last had a proper break due to their busy routines. Despite the growing need for rest, travel often takes a backseat due to practical circumstances. In this scenario, the winter season promotion of the ‘Employee Vacation Support’ initiative, which supports employee rest and domestic travel, is ongoing.
According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), South Korea’s annual working hours are 1,799 hours, ranking 6th among its member countries (OECD Data 2023). On the other hand, the country’s quality of life satisfaction is 33rd (OECD Better Life Index 2024), work-life balance is 31st (Global Life–Work Balance Index 2025), and world happiness index is 52nd (UN World Happiness Report 2024).
The conditions for using vacations are also tough. According to the 2022 ‘National Travel Survey’ by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, main obstacles for employees using vacations include lack of time (34.3%) and difficulty in coordinating time with family or friends (25.5%).
The welfare gap due to company size continues. As of 2023, the Ministry of Employment and Labor found that the welfare level gap outside the statutory requirements between large and small enterprises is 34.4%, with a 24.3% gap in vacation and cultural expenses.
Under these circumstances, the winter season promotion for the employee travel support initiative was launched to support domestic travel for workers. The Korea Tourism Organization announced on the 3rd that this promotion will run until the 31st of the month.
The promotion offers discounted prices on accommodation travel packages and winter leisure goods available during the winter season. Accommodation packages at 4-star or higher hotels and resorts are discounted by up to 50%, while Lotte Hotels & Resorts offers up to a 25% special discount for program participants. Winter leisure-related goods, such as camping, skiing, and snowboarding equipment, are also introduced.
In the employee vacation support scheme, employees deposit 200,000 KRW, and their company and the government each contribute 100,000 KRW, totaling 400,000 KRW for domestic travel expenses. Employees can use this pooled fund to purchase various domestic travel packages, including accommodations, transportation, and experiences, through the dedicated online mall ‘휴가샵’ (Vacation Shop).
Participating companies receive additional points and performance recognition when applying for government certification systems. Outstanding participating companies may receive government awards, media promotions, the publication of case studies, and priority selection for the following year. Eligible participants are limited to corporations, including small and medium enterprises, small business owners, and non-profit private organizations.
Kang Gyu-sang, Head of Tourism Welfare and Safety Center, stated, “Employees are highly satisfied as they can access excellent travel products at a reasonable price, and companies can simultaneously enhance employee welfare and improve their image through this representative tourism welfare project.” He added, “We will continue to introduce various travel products that reflect the latest travel trends and consumer preferences.”
Detailed information about the initiative is available on the official website and dedicated support centers.