South Korea’s leading travel platform, HereWeGo (여기어때), is increasingly recognized for its strategy of linking travel demand with the growth of regional economies and small-to-medium sized lodging businesses. Rather than relying on traditional cash donations, the company leverages its platform traffic, content creation expertise and brand recognition to generate social value, marking a shift in corporate social responsibility within the tech sector. This approach has seen the company achieve five consecutive years of profitability, with a reported revenue of ₩249.8 billion (approximately $184.3 million USD) and an operating profit of ₩56.5 billion (approximately $41.7 million USD) in 2024, according to recent financial reports.
HereWeGo’s impact extends beyond simply facilitating bookings. The company’s model actively connects travelers with local businesses, particularly in areas outside major metropolitan centers. This focus on regional tourism is becoming increasingly important as South Korea seeks to address economic imbalances and promote sustainable growth. The platform currently boasts over 12 million active users, providing a significant channel for directing tourism revenue to local communities. The company’s success is rooted in its evolution from a mobile lodging reservation service to a comprehensive travel platform encompassing hotels, resorts, pensions, campsites, airfare, rental cars, and activities.
Supporting Small Businesses with Free Resources
A key component of HereWeGo’s social contribution strategy is the provision of free resources to small businesses and creators. In 2018, the company released its brand typeface, ‘HereWeGo Jalmoche,’ for free employ, enabling entrepreneurs and creatives to access professional design assets without cost. This initiative was expanded in October 2023 with the release of ‘Jalmoche Gothic’ to commemorate Hangul Day, further solidifying the company’s commitment to open-source design and supporting the creative community. These freely available fonts are widely used in promotional materials and regional events, reducing costs for small businesses.
Strategic Partnerships to Boost Regional Tourism
HereWeGo actively collaborates with regional and public organizations to stimulate tourism. In March 2025, the company partnered with the Gangwon Tourism Foundation to launch a series of events aimed at increasing tourism to the Gangwon province throughout the year. As reported by the Electronic Times, this collaboration includes substantial discounts on accommodations and attractions within the region, with a focus on reducing travel costs for visitors. The “Gangwon Tourism Accommodation Grand Sale” will be held monthly, highlighting seasonal destinations and quality lodging options, with participation from 3,335 accommodations.
For example, during the spring travel season, discounts are available in Chuncheon and Wonju. Guests booking accommodations priced at ₩70,000 (approximately $51.75 USD) or more receive a ₩30,000 (approximately $22.12 USD) discount, while those booking accommodations under ₩70,000 receive a ₩20,000 (approximately $14.75 USD) discount. These discounts can be combined with HereWeGo’s existing coupon offers, potentially reaching a total discount of up to ₩150,000 (approximately $110.63 USD). Attraction discounts are also available, with visitors to Chuncheon attractions receiving discounts at other participating sites, up to 20% off at 20 locations, including dog theme parks and forest recreation areas.
Expanding Travel Options with Package Deals
HereWeGo is also expanding its offerings to include package tours, such as a 3-night, 4-day package to Sapporo, Hokkaido, as highlighted in a recent Naver blog post. These packages include meals, addressing a common pain point for travelers who often incur additional expenses for dining. The company’s move into package tours signals a broader strategy to provide comprehensive travel solutions and cater to a wider range of traveler preferences.
The company’s success has not gone unnoticed by local governments and public institutions. In 2023, HereWeGo collaborated with 21 local governments and public organizations on special events and travel content, resulting in a 27% increase in regional accommodation bookings. As reported by the Maeil Business Newspaper, this has led to increased interest from other local entities seeking similar partnerships.
Looking Ahead
HereWeGo’s continued focus on integrating travel with regional economic development positions it as a key player in South Korea’s tourism landscape. The company’s innovative approach, combining platform capabilities with social responsibility initiatives, is likely to attract further partnerships and drive continued growth. The next phase will likely involve expanding these collaborative efforts to new regions and exploring further opportunities to leverage technology to enhance the travel experience and support local communities.
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