June 3 "Rose Election"... Designated as a Temporary Holiday
Six-Day Break Possible with Just Two Days of Leave
"Positive Impact Expected on the Domestic Tourism Market"
"I plan to vote early and then go to Japan."
With the early presidential election in June confirmed following the impeachment of former President Yoon Seok-yeol, demand for overseas travel is already stirring. In particular, as using two days of leave can create a 'golden holiday' of up to six days, the travel industry is quickly launching marketing campaigns.
On January 24, ahead of the Lunar New Year holiday including a temporary public holiday, travelers visiting Incheon International Airport Terminal 1 were lining up to move to the boarding concourse. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung
As the government has set the 21st presidential election date to June 3, taking just one day off on June 2 allows for a four-day holiday from June 1 to 4. If two additional days off are taken on June 4 and 5, the holiday extends through the Memorial Day on the 6th (Friday) and the weekend, creating a maximum six-day golden holiday.
According to the travel industry on the 14th, thanks to this golden holiday, demand for overseas travel is rapidly recovering. Major domestic travel agencies are strengthening their products focusing on popular routes such as Japan, Europe, Taiwan, China, and Southeast Asia, engaging in full-scale promotional competition. The industry expects an increase in overseas travel demand as inquiries and bookings for trips departing in the first week of June rise.
According to Kyowon Tour Travel Easy, bookings for products departing from June 3 to 8 account for about 29% of total June reservations. Europe holds the largest share at 29%, followed by China (14.7%), Vietnam (13.9%), Japan (11.3%), and Mongolia (8.3%). Considering the lead time (the period from booking to check-in), the booking rate is expected to increase further. Additionally, many tourists are expected to vote early on May 29-30 before the main election and depart starting the weekend.
The domestic hotel and resort industry also anticipates a special demand boost from the Rose Election. With political uncertainty resolved, consumer sentiment is improving, which is likely to enhance domestic travel sentiment as well. Experts diagnose, "This holiday is a golden opportunity to boost travel demand one last time before the summer vacation season," and "inquiries for domestic hotel and resort reservations are increasing. It is expected to have a positive impact on the domestic tourism market as well."
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