This Summer Vacation in Korea: Seoul for Domestic Trips... Preferred Overseas Destinations?

Seoul, Busan, Gyeonggi·Incheon Rapidly Emerging as Summer Vacation Spots
Most Overseas Travel Plans Scheduled for Year-End

Photo by Getty Images Bank

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Cheol-hyun] Recently, with the rise in airfare and travel expenses combined with the resurgence of COVID-19, more travelers are opting to spend their vacations in city hotels or turning to inland regions where costs are relatively lower.

According to TMON, an analysis of nationwide regional accommodation sales from the 1st to the 25th of this month showed that sales more than doubled compared to the same period last year. The regions with the highest growth rates were Seoul, Busan, and Gyeonggi·Incheon, in that order. Following these were Chungcheong, Gangwon, and Jeju, which also showed significant increases.

Seoul, which showed the highest growth, saw accommodation product sales surge by 1150% compared to last year, marking explosive growth of more than tenfold. Due to the impact of high oil prices, travelers seem to be planning relaxed urban hotel stays in Seoul, which is conveniently accessible by public transportation, rather than long-distance resort trips.

Next, Busan’s accommodation product sales rose by 288% compared to the previous year. It is emerging as a popular travel destination during a time when overseas travel is burdensome. With excellent accessibility by both land and air, Busan offers abundant attractions such as marine landmarks, food, and activities. Gyeonggi·Incheon saw a 167% increase in accommodation product sales compared to last year, with steady popularity centered around Gapyeong, which has become a 'hot place' for summer water leisure. As the COVID-19 resurgence continues, pool villas available at reasonable prices are also gaining attention as popular accommodations.

Even for those planning overseas travel this year, the timing is expected to be not during the summer vacation season but rather at the end of the year. According to Yanolja, when asked when they plan to travel abroad this year, 34.2% of respondents answered December. This was followed by November (20.7%) and October (14.7%). The concentration of overseas travel plans at year-end is attributed to concerns about the COVID-19 resurgence (63.3%) and the cost burden caused by the surge in demand during the summer peak season (42.2%).

The top overseas travel destination people want to visit for their first trip after the endemic is Japan (21.9%). Following were Guam (12.5%) and Thailand (10.7%).