Schedule Changed Due to COVID-19 Spread
Overseas Travel Replaced by Domestic Trips
Rising Vacation Costs Remain a Burden
[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo Byung-don] Office worker Park Jae-min (35) had planned a family trip in August but moved it up to next week. After discussing with his family due to the severe spread of COVID-19, they decided to advance the trip by two weeks. Park said, "I suddenly changed my vacation schedule, so I felt awkward at work and sorry to my colleagues who had agreed to cover my tasks," adding, "Although the government said there would be no reinstatement of social distancing, the recent situation seems serious, so I decided to take my vacation early."
Son Min-jung (32) and her spouse, both working at the same company, replaced their overseas trip with a domestic one. The couple had planned a golf trip to the Philippines in mid-August, but the plan was disrupted due to COVID-19. As confirmed cases increased, a company notice requested refraining from overseas travel and visiting crowded places. Eventually, the couple canceled their flight tickets to the Philippines and decided to travel to Jeju Island this week instead. Son said, "As the number of confirmed cases rose, I anticipated restrictions on overseas travel and mentally prepared myself," adding, "I thought it would be better to comfortably visit Jeju Island."
On the 17th, ahead of the summer vacation season, the domestic terminal of Gimpo Airport in Gangseo-gu, Seoul, is bustling with travelers. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@
As the COVID-19 outbreak continues to spread, more office workers are advancing their summer vacations. The doubling phenomenon (where confirmed cases double compared to the previous week) signals the start of a new wave, raising concerns about possible restrictions on daily life.
On the 13th, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency's Central Disease Control Headquarters predicted the peak of the summer resurgence to be between mid-August and mid-October, estimating up to 150,000 to 200,000 confirmed cases per day. Considering the spread of the BA.5 variant, known to be more severe than previous variants, and the 'Centaurus' (BA.2.75) variant, there are concerns that daily cases could approach 300,000.
Those planning summer vacations in August or later are also anxious. There is concern that if COVID-19 resurges, health authorities might reinstate 'social distancing.' Since April, as COVID-19 cases declined, social distancing and outdoor mask mandates were lifted, significantly easing quarantine guidelines. Additionally, the number of countries open for overseas travel is gradually increasing.
Although social distancing measures such as limits on private gatherings are not being immediately reintroduced, the possibility remains for selective and phased implementation depending on the outbreak situation. If entry requirements for countries become stricter again, the door to overseas travel will inevitably narrow.
Turning to domestic travel, the surge in vacation costs is burdensome. Airfare to Jeju Island has roughly doubled compared to a year ago. Accommodation prices have skyrocketed not only in Jeju, a representative vacation spot, but also in regions like Busan, Gangneung, and Yeosu. According to Statistics Korea, hotel accommodation fees increased by 7.7%, domestic group travel expenses by 10.4%, and overseas group travel expenses by 2.8%.
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