Osaka, Tokyo, Jeju Island, Seoul Rank High
3 Japanese Destinations in Top 5... 9 Asian Regions in Top 10
Likely Due to High Prices and Weak Yen Effects
This summer vacation period, the most popular travel destination among Koreans was found to be Osaka, Japan. As high prices continue, more people are seeking nearby trips, and the historic low value of the yen has increased the popularity of travel to Japan.
On the 19th, Hotels.com analyzed the travel destinations most searched by Korean travelers during this summer vacation period (June 1 to August 31) and found that Osaka, Japan ranked first. Following were Tokyo, Japan in second place, Jeju Island, Korea in third, Seoul, Korea in fourth, and Fukuoka, Japan in fifth. Notably, three of the top five destinations were in Japan, indicating the recent surge in popularity of travel to Japan.
In October last year, when visa-free travel for Koreans to Japan, which had been suspended due to the spread of COVID-19, resumed, passengers were waiting to check in for the 'Gimpo-Haneda' flight at the Asiana Airlines international counter at Gimpo International Airport. [Photo by Yonhap News]
This summer vacation trend can be summarized mainly as 'nearby travel' and 'Japan.' Nine out of the top ten destinations belong to the Asia-Pacific region, showing a clear preference for nearby travel, with many choosing Japan as their travel destination.
The industry views the increase in demand for affordable nearby travel due to high prices, the recent aggressive expansion of low-cost carriers (LCC) flight routes to Japan, and the continued weak yen as the background for the popularity of travel to Japan. In fact, T'way Air plans to resume the exclusive 'Incheon~Saga' route from September 8 for the first time in four years since COVID-19, and Jin Air has resumed the 'Incheon~Kitakyushu' route since May. The record low yen also had an impact. The KRW-JPY exchange rate fell to 898.98 won per 100 yen on the 4th, the lowest in eight years, and is currently hovering in the low 900 won range. As this trend continues, travelers are saying that 'now is the best time to travel to Japan.'
A Hotels.com representative said, "Generally, during peak travel seasons, demand for long-distance travel tends to increase rather than short-distance, but this year, unusually, many people seem to want to enjoy nearby places even during the vacation season," adding, "Due to high prices and the weak yen, the popularity of travel to Japan is expected to continue until September."
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