Data from 17 city and county councils across South Korea reveals that executives completed 558 overseas trips over 3 years and 6 months, from late July 2022 to March 2025. These journeys cost a total of 4.616 billion won across 128 documented cases, averaging 23.02 million won per trip. However, only 95 instances—or 17%—include detailed cost reports.
Jeju Island Council Tops the List
Jeju Island’s council stands out with 67 trips, the highest among all regions. Its 46 executives average 1.5 trips each, with 16 still serving today. In 2022, six executives from the Culture and Tourism Committee visited France and Monaco on June 8, promoting cultural content. Among 13 destinations visited over eight days, four (31%)—including France’s national cultural center, Yves Saint Laurent museum, Fontainebleau, and Pont des Arts—focused purely on tourism.
Executives submitted feedback forms stating these trips strengthened Jeju’s cultural landscape. One trip generated 320 million won in expected revenue, though actual earnings remain unverified.
Widespread Lack of Transparency
Chungnam Province council executives took 14 trips across eight countries in Europe, including Australia, over eight days in October 2022. Of 11 destinations, four involved cultural sites like Dublin’s cultural center. No costs were disclosed for these journeys.
Ministry of the Interior and Safety analysis shows no proper cost aggregation or report submissions in many cases. Five major councils—Gyeonggi, Gwangwon, Chungbuk, Daegu, and Daejeon—report zero disclosures. A council official noted, “Many view trips as perks for executives and staff, making cost transparency challenging.”
Concerns Over Misuse and Personal Gain
Executives often justify trips as networking opportunities, escaping public scrutiny. One official remarked, “Even the chairman admits too many trips burden executives.” Experts agree trends indicate executives leverage trips for personal benefits.
The ministry highlights poor documentation as a key issue, with 17% disclosure rate across 558 trips. Regions like Jeju continue high activity: in 2024, nine executives toured four countries over seven days to boost cultural jobs. In 2023, eight visited Mongolia for cultural exchanges.
Daegu council’s eight executives targeted Italy, Switzerland, and France in 2022, focusing on cultural landmarks like Paris’ Grand Palais.
Government Audits Underway
Despite public funds fueling many trips, 178 cases lack budget details. Audits target misuse, such as Chungnam’s 10 executives spending 338 million won on a Netherlands-Belgium-Dublin business trip disguised as economic promotion, yielding 174 million won in sales after adjustments.
Authorities summon officials and executives for reviews. Seoul’s council plans similar scrutiny. A related official stated, “Trips maximize cultural exposure during weekdays, filling venues otherwise empty.” Critics argue many prioritize personal networks over public interest.
