Korean Media: China Surpasses Japan and Southeast Asia as South Koreans' Top Travel Destination!
On June 19, Korean media outlet Korea Economic Daily published an article stating that survey results show China, Japan, and Southeast Asia—among neighboring destinations—are becoming increasingly popular in the overseas travel market during this summer's peak season. Affected by high exchange rates and fuel surcharges, South Korean travelers seem to prefer shorter trips with relatively lower costs compared to long-distance travel.
According to a global travel booking analysis released by Modoo Tour, among trips departing between July 18 and August 8, China accounted for the highest share at 27.4%, followed by Southeast Asia (24.3%), Japan (18.2%), Mongolia (12.1%), Europe (10.2%), and the Americas and South Pacific regions (6.4%).
Notably, major neighboring regions such as China, Southeast Asia, and Japan collectively made up approximately 80% of total bookings. Modoo Tour analyzes that this trend reflects travelers’ preference for destinations offering shorter travel times and more efficient itineraries amid ongoing pressures from persistently high exchange rates and fuel surcharges.
In China, Changbai Mountain is the most popular destination, accounting for 46.3% of bookings, followed by Zhangjiajie (10.4%), Qingdao (8.4%), and Inner Mongolia (7.0%). Changbai Mountain is considered a quintessential tourist spot, maintaining relatively cool temperatures even in summer and boasting stunning natural scenery.
Compared to the same period last year, growth in bookings for neighboring and seasonal destinations has been particularly significant. Mongolia saw a 73.6% increase in reservations, while China and Japan recorded increases of 62.5% and 54.7%, respectively. This indicates a strong desire among travelers to visit destinations with relatively cooler climates—ideal for escaping the heat and enjoying nature.
In Southeast Asia, Vietnam holds the largest market share, accounting for half of all bookings. Next are the Philippines (8.8%), Singapore (8.7%), and Thailand (6.2%).
Modoo Tour explained: “This summer, demand for overseas travel has become increasingly segmented—travelers now consider not only affordability, climate, and suitability for family trips, but also the efficiency of itinerary planning, aiming to maximize satisfaction within limited vacation time.”
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1868390781565960/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author(s) alone.