The Solid Trio of South Korea, Japan, and China... Emerging Overseas Travel Destinations Chosen by the MZ Generation

Vietnam, Japan, China Lead Short-Distance Destinations

Mongolia Rises to Top Travel Destination Rankings
Comfortable Weather Around 20°C
Popularity Factors Include Pristine Nature and Short Flight Times

Among popular overseas travel destinations for our citizens, short-distance regions such as Vietnam, Japan, and China continue to dominate, while Mongolia is emerging as a new strong contender, especially among the MZ generation (Millennials + Generation Z). With relatively short flight times and cooler weather, demand for unique experiences is surging, and the number of visitors during the summer season is expected to increase significantly.

Mongolian Steppe
Photo by Naeiltour

According to industry sources on the 13th, the number of domestic travelers visiting Mongolia this year reached 30,033 cumulatively by May, a 64.7% increase compared to the same period last year. Last year, the number of visitors to Mongolia was 139,512, up 161.3% from the previous year, surpassing the demand in 2019 (101,279), before the COVID-19 outbreak.

Including the summer vacation season, Mongolia ranks high in overseas travel reservation rates for the third quarter among major domestic outbound travel agencies.

An analysis of Hana Tour’s overseas package reservation rates for July and August shows that Mongolia (5%) ranked 5th alongside short-distance destinations such as Vietnam (20%), Japan (18%), and China (15%).

In Kyowon Tour Travel’s third-quarter overseas travel reservation rates, Mongolia (7.1%) also ranked 5th following the three major destinations: Vietnam (13.7%), Japan (13.2%), and China (11.7%).

Naeil Tour introduced Mongolia products for the first time in March, and inquiries and reservations for related products departing in summer have increased by more than 350% compared to the launch period. These products feature unique experiences such as staying in a traditional Mongolian tent called a ger, experiencing the nomadic lifestyle, and riding horses across the vast open steppes.

As Mongolia gains popularity as a travel destination, travel agencies are strengthening their local-related products. Hana Tour operates direct charter flights to Inner Mongolia, a border region adjacent to Mongolia, twice a week (Wednesdays and Saturdays) during the peak season in July and August.

Modetour has expanded its Mongolia package tour products departing in July and August by about 50% compared to the same period last year. While last year’s demand was highest for city tours and visits to Terelj National Park, this year, products that include desert experiences in the city and Terelj are gaining attention. The company explained that the desert experience is popular because visitors can also enjoy the night sky, including shooting stars and the Milky Way.

Additionally, Norangpungseon’s Mongolia travel products have increased about tenfold compared to before the COVID-19 outbreak. An industry insider explained, "Mongolia’s daytime high temperatures in July and August are around 20 degrees Celsius, making it comfortable, and it preserves pristine nature. The flight time is also not long, about 3 hours and 30 minutes, which makes it highly preferred. As travel influencers and broadcasts introduce a lot of information about local travel, young people seem to be curious about new regions."