• Seoul to step up welcome efforts during the peak fall travel season, targeting major East Asian holidays including Japan’s Silver Week and China’s National Day holiday.
  • Welcome services to expand beyond Myeong-dong to airports and tourist information centers, covering visitors’ journeys from arrival through travel in central Seoul.
  • Diverse programs featuring K-content and traditional Korean cultural experiences to be offered in Myeong-dong and at the Seoul Culture Lounge.
  • Integrated information on major events, multilingual assistance, and cooperation with the tourism industry to create a comprehensive welcome network across Seoul.
  • Welcome programs along the Hangang to include discounts on Seoul Cruise tickets and K-culture experiences.

SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA, September 16, 2026 — Get a free tourist pass at the airport and enjoy K-pop in Myeong-dong! With a series of major holidays across East Asia, including Japan’s Silver Week and China’s National Day holiday, the Seoul Metropolitan Government is gearing up to welcome international visitors.

Seoul, together with the Seoul Tourism Organization and the Seoul Tourism Association, will run the “2026 Seoul Welcome Week: Autumn Edition” for 23 days from September 19 to October 11 at key tourist touchpoints, including airports and Myeong-dong.

<From Airports to Myeong-dong and Seoul Culture Lounge: Tailored Welcome Services Expanded at Key Tourist Touchpoints Along Visitors’ Travel Routes >

In the second half of this year, Seoul Welcome Week will expand beyond its previous focus on Myeong-dong to key tourist touchpoints frequently visited by international travelers, including airports, tourist information centers and booths, and the Seoul Culture Lounge. The city plans to provide extensive welcome services along visitors’ travel routes, from arrival through sightseeing in central Seoul.

Welcome services will begin at airports—the gateways where international visitors first encounter Seoul—as well as at major tourist information centers and booths. Starting September 19, welcome events combining Chuseok-themed experiences with Seoul tourism will take place at 13 tourist information centers and permanent information booths, including those at the Seoul Tourism Plaza, Myeong-dong, Incheon International Airport, and Gimpo International Airport.

In Myeong-dong, a major tourism hub in central Seoul, a comprehensive welcome booth will offer visitors both K-content experiences and tourist information in one place.

At the Seoul Culture Lounge, hands-on programs will allow visitors to experience Korean holidays and traditional culture firsthand.

<From Integrated Tourism Information on Festivals and Performances to Cooperation with the Tourism Industry: Building a Comprehensive Welcome Network Across Seoul >

An integrated information page will also be available to help international visitors enjoy not only Seoul Welcome Week but also various events and tourism content taking place across the city during their stay.

The Hangang, a popular destination among international visitors, will also feature a variety of welcome events during the fall holiday season. Seoul will partner with Seoul Cruise, which operates sightseeing cruises on the Hangang, to offer discount promotions and special programs for international visitors.

Seoul will also strengthen public-private cooperation to encourage voluntary participation from the tourism industry and spread a welcoming atmosphere throughout the city. In partnership with the Seoul Tourism Association, Seoul will send a total of four newsletters to the tourism industry beginning September 16.

In addition, Seoul will work with the Seoul Tourism Organization and the Seoul Tourism Association to deploy multilingual staff at key locations and strengthen safety management at each event venue. Seoul will also provide comprehensive on-site support to ensure that international visitors can safely and conveniently enjoy everything from participating in events to traveling around the city.