Definition

Tourist Complex and Tourist Destination

Tourist Destination

The term "tourist destination" means a place designated under the Tourist Promotion Act where natural or cultural resources for tourism are available and basic conveniences for tourists have also been made available in accordance with Article 2 (6) of the Act. There shall be no area requirements for a tourist destination, and it shall be developed by a public institution.

Tourist Complex

The term "tourist complex" means an area designated as a base for tourism pursuant to the Tourist Promotion Act, in which diverse tourist facilities are or shall be developed comprehensively for various types of tourism and relaxation of tourists in accordance with Article 2 (7) of the Act. The area requirements of a tourist complex shall be at least 500,000㎡, and it shall be developed by a private developer.

Source : Article 2 of the Tourism Promotion Act. http://elaw.klri.re.kr

Designation Requirements

A tourist destination should be equipped with one of facilities for accommodation, sports/amusement, recreation, culture, or entertainment and support facilities, as well as public facilities.

A tourist complex should be equipped with one of facilities for accommodation, sports/amusement, relaxation/culture, or entertainment and support facilities, as well as public facilities and accommodations.

Introduction of Facilities in Tourist Complex

	Subcategories	Notes
Public Facilities	Public restroom, parking lot, electric facilities, communication facilities, water supply facilities, sewage facilities, and tourist information center	Compulsory
Accommodations	Tourist hotel, floating tourist hotel, traditional Korean hotel, or family hotel	At least one is compulsory.
Sports & Recreation Facilities	Golf course, ski resort, marina for yacht, boat or canoe, ice rink, motor racecourse, horse-riding track, multi-purpose sports complex, racetrack or motorboat racetrack	At least one is compulsory.
Relaxation & Culture Facilities	Folk village, beach, game reserve, zoo, botanical garden, hot spring resort, cave, swimming pool, agricultural or fishing village resort facilities, forest resort facilities, museum, art gallery, gliding club, car campsite, tourist excursion ship, or general amusement complex
Entertainment Facilities	Tourist theater, tourist entertainment restaurant, tourist theatre entertainment, entertainment restaurant, or tourist restaurant	Optional
Support Facilities	Employee accommodations, training facilities, or distribution facilities	Optional

Source : Attached Table 18 of the Enforcement Decree of the Tourism Promotion Act.

Investment Incentives

If a development zone is designated as a tourist complex, an investor shall be exempt form acquisition and registration taxes and any charges and shall obtain the right to expropriate land and administrative support such as the simplified permission procedure.

Investment Incentives for Tourist Complex

	Incentives	Related Laws
Tax Incentives	Acquisition tax and registration tax on real estate acquired to implement a tourist complex development project shall be reduced by 25/100.	Article 54 of the Restriction of Special Local Taxation Act
Charges Reductions or Exemptions	Each project executor may require users of a support facility to bear all or some of expenses incurred in constructing the support facility. Development charges, farmland preservation charges, costs of development of substitute grassland, expenses for creation of alternative forest resources, etc.	Article 64 of the Tourism Promotion Act Article 5 of the Restitution of Development Gains Act Article 38 of the Farmland Act Article 19 of the Management of Mountainous Districts Act
Expropriation of Land	If a tourist complex is developed by a private developer, he/she shall be given the right to expropriate or use private land remaining after acquiring at least 2/3 of private land within the area to be developed. A tourist complex developer shall entrust the head of the competent local government with services relating to the purchase of a site for the development project.	Articles 54 and 61 of the Tourism Promotion Act Article 49 of the Enforcement Decree of the Tourism Promotion Act
Approval and Permission	When having obtained approval of a development plan, the relevant authorization, permission, etc. shall be deemed granted.	Article 58 of the Tourism Promotion Act