Ongjin County faces delays in tourism coupon pilot program

Ongjin County is experiencing difficulties with its 2026 tourism coupon pilot project, intended to boost local consumption in the Deokjeok and Jawol-myeon areas. Despite an investment of approximately 120 million won, the program has faced delays due to incomplete system development, specifically regarding the connection between kiosks and the settlement platform. Additionally, the county has struggled to recruit participating merchants, with only 16 businesses signed up following a recent call for applications.

The project aims to provide coupons worth up to 10,000 won to visitors of paid tourist facilities, such as the Deokjeokdo Natural Recreation Forest and Janggol Beach Campground, which can then be used at local businesses. While the program was originally scheduled to begin on October 1, officials stated that technical errors have been addressed and the service is now expected to launch on the 23rd.