40% of Office Workers "Avoid Vacations in July-August"... Overseas Departures in June Increase by Over 12% Annually

The so-called ‘early summer vacationers’ who leave for summer holidays early to save costs or avoid crowds are expected to increase again this year. This is because the number of ‘smart consumers’ who want to travel more economically is growing amid the ongoing economic downturn and negative economic outlook following the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to statistics on the number of outbound travelers from Korea compiled by the Korea Tourism Organization, the number of outbound travelers in June, which was generally considered an off-season, showed a significant increase. From 2015 to 2019, the monthly number of outbound travelers from Korea in June increased by an average of 12.7% annually. This figure far exceeded the annual average growth rate of 8.3% during the same period and was much higher than the growth rates in the peak season months of July (9.5%) and August (5.8%).

Jeju Air announced on the 22nd that in a survey conducted via SNS last April, 42% of respondents planning their summer vacation this year said they intend to take their holidays in May, June, September, or October to avoid the peak summer season of July and August. In particular, 52% of those who said they would avoid the peak season answered that they chose those periods because travel costs are expensive during the summer peak season (July-August).

Regarding the increase in the number of domestic outbound travelers in June, a Jeju Air official said, “Airlines have secured customers by conducting various promotions to stimulate off-season demand, and consumers have had more opportunities to enjoy cost-effective summer vacations.” He added, “With the reopening leading to increased demand for air travel, combined with a trend toward rational consumption amid the economic downturn, a similar trend is expected to continue this year.”

Meanwhile, Jeju Air is running a promotion on air tickets for routes to Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia; Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam; and Oita, Japan, until the 31st for customers planning vacations in June. Ticket prices may vary depending on the booking date and exchange rate fluctuations. The promotion may end early depending on reservation status. Purchases are only available through the Jeju Air website, mobile app, and web.