Unbeatable Even by Historic Yen Weakness... Japan Surpassed as No.1 Summer Overseas Travel Destination

Comparison of Regional Booking Rates by Major Travel Agencies in July-August
Vietnam Holds the Highest Share
Short-Distance Key Regions... Preference for Resorts Influences
Popularity Rising in Europe, China, and Mongol as Well

This summer vacation season, the most preferred destination for those planning overseas trips is Southeast Asia, with Vietnam, which has a high proportion of Korean visitors, gaining popularity. Although demand for Japan remains steady due to the record low yen, many more people prefer Vietnam as a summer resort destination.

Overseas travelers visiting Incheon International Airport Terminal 1 are moving toward the departure hall. Photo by Jinhyung Kang aymsdream@

On the 4th, an analysis of overseas travel package reservations for July and August by major domestic outbound (Koreans traveling abroad) travel agencies showed that the most preferred destination booked through Hana Tour was Vietnam (20%). This was followed by Japan (18%) in second place, China (15%) in third, the Philippines (7%) in fourth, and Mongolia (5%) in fifth. A Hana Tour official analyzed, "Cool travel destinations that can relieve the summer heat and Vietnamese resorts are gaining attention." In Japan, Hokkaido, where summer temperatures are relatively low, accounted for 40% of all reservations. Osaka (24%), Kyushu (18%), Tokyo (8%), Tsushima (7%), and Okinawa (4%) were also popular in that order.

Modetour also ranked Southeast Asia as the top popular destination (44%). Among Southeast Asian countries, Vietnam accounted for 50% of bookings. It is also notable that China ranked second (20%) in overall reservation rate, ahead of Japan (15%). This was followed by the South Pacific and the Americas (10%) and Europe (8%). A Modetour official explained, "The strength of Southeast Asia, a representative short-distance travel destination, continues. Vietnam is popular not only for traditional destinations like Da Nang and Nha Trang but also for Phu Quoc, which has recently gained attention as a resort." Among Southeast Asian countries, the Philippines, which ranked next after Vietnam with a 13% reservation rate, is expected to attract travelers mainly to Bohol, Cebu, and Boracay.

According to Norang Balloon's aggregated reservation rates for the third quarter, which includes the Chuseok holiday, Europe (26%) and Japan (26%) tied for first place, followed by Vietnam (18%), China (17%), and the Philippines (10%). A Norang Balloon official said, "In the first half of this year, we reorganized charter flight products for major Japanese routes such as Fukuoka, Matsuyama, Oita, and Chitose, as well as long-distance destinations with high demand last year, including Spain, Athens, Turkey, Oslo, and Venice." They added, "The expansion of charter flights is believed to have increased the reservation shares for Japan and Europe." Among European destinations, customers visiting Western Europe, including Italy and Switzerland, accounted for the highest proportion at 28.12%, followed by Eastern Europe and the Balkans (Croatia, Slovenia) at 27.46%, and Northern Europe (Norway, Sweden) at 18.82%.

Additionally, an analysis of overseas travel reservation data by Kyowon Tour Travel Easy for departures during the summer vacation peak from July 26 to August 4 found that the most popular travel destination during this period was Vietnam (18.4%). Japan ranked second (12.9%), with Hokkaido leading demand at 41% of the total. China also recorded the third highest reservation rate (12.6%) as summer season flight routes increased. The company explained that Shanghai and Qingdao products had high booking proportions within China. This was followed by Thailand (8.9%) and Mongolia (7.6%), which also ranked high. A Travel Easy official said, "With significantly increased demand for preferred destinations like Vietnam, Japan, and China, the strength of short-distance travel destinations continues. Mongolia's high ranking during the busy vacation season can be seen as evidence that it is becoming a popular travel destination, especially among the MZ generation (Millennials + Generation Z)."

Travel agencies are also strengthening related products targeting the summer peak season. Hana Tour operates a direct charter flight to Inner Mongolia's 'Hohhot Special' twice a week (Wednesdays and Saturdays) in July and August, and offers European charter flights using Asiana Airlines direct to Venice, Italy, featuring products such as '9-Day Intensive Italy Tour' and '9-Day Italy and Switzerland Two-Country Tour.' Modetour plans to increase promotions focusing on unsold seats on long-haul flight routes to boost reservation rates. Norang Balloon intends to add charter flight products for major tourist destinations in the second half of the year, including Egypt, Singapore, Kota Kinabalu, Marseille, and Zagreb. Travel Easy has prepared no-tip, no-option travel products for Da Nang and Hoi An, as well as experiential trips to Hokkaido and healing travel packages to Mongolia.