The event "Korea Bucket List" from Sept. 1 to Nov. 10 will select 20,000 foreign visitors to take part in tours and activities in the country. Shown is a scene on July 29 at Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul. (Yonhap News)

By Lee Jihae

An event starting next month will offer cultural experiences desired by foreign tourists.

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and Korea Tourism Organization from Sept. 1 to Nov. 10 will host the "Korea Bucket List" for about 20,000 selected visitors from abroad, featuring a range of tourism content such as Hallyu (Korean Wave), Korean history and cosmetics and beauty.

The event will have four rounds. The first is for those visiting from Sept. 1-15 (application period Aug. 13-21); the second from Sept. 16-30 (Aug. 29 to Sept. 8); the third Oct. 1-15 (Sept. 12-22); and the fourth Oct. 16 to Nov. 10 (Sept. 26 to Oct. 6).

The event's official website (https://koreabucketlist.com) offers applicants a selection of 36 benefits during a visit. About 20,000 tourists will be selected randomly.

The "K-culture" experience is divided into core themes by round such as Hallyu, history and tradition, beauty and region. The options include taking part in a K-pop program at the studios of famous dance teams, recording K-pop songs, visiting traditional markets and taking courses on Hansik (traditional cuisine), going on Buddhist temple stays, getting hair treatments and makeup like K-pop idols, and receiving vouchers to stay at wellness resorts.

A hundred roundtrip airline tickets will also go to foreign tourists for visiting regions outside of Seoul. The recipients will depart from Gimpo International Airport and head to Yeosu Airport in Yeosu, Jeollanam-do Province; Pohang Gyeongju Airport in Pohang, Gyeongsangbuk-do Province; and Jeju International Airport on Jeju Island.

Winners also get vouchers to wear Hanbok, enter theme parks, rent items to picnic at a Hangang River Park in Seoul and receive a public transportation card with a photo of singer Cha Eun-woo, who is a promotional ambassador for Visit Korea Year 2023-24.

jihlee08@korea.kr