Tokyo and Da Nang Overtaken... The Top Summer Travel Destination for Koreans This Year Is

Short-haul Destinations Such as Vietnam, Japan, and China Gain Popularity
Preference for Affordable and Nearby Vacation Spots on the Rise
Visa Exemption Policy Boosts Interest in Chinese Cities

As an early heatwave is expected this year, the number of tourists visiting short-haul destinations such as Vietnam and Japan has increased.

A coast in Nha Trang, Vietnam. Vietnam National Administration of Tourism

On June 11, Agoda, a digital travel platform, analyzed accommodation search data for check-ins between June and July to rank early summer vacation destinations for South Korean travelers. The results showed that Nha Trang, Vietnam was the most preferred destination. This was followed by Tokyo, Japan; Fukuoka, Japan; Osaka, Japan; and Da Nang, Vietnam.

This ranking demonstrates South Korean travelers' strong preference for Vietnam and Japan. According to Agoda, as of the first half of this year, South Korea was the leading market in terms of visits to both Vietnam and Japan. Agoda explained, "As high inflation persists globally, South Korean travelers are showing a trend toward preferring short-haul destinations that are relatively affordable and nearby."

Additionally, search volumes for Chinese cities with flight times of around two hours, such as Qingdao (+212%) and Shanghai (+207%), have surged. This popularity appears to be influenced by the Chinese government's visa exemption policy for South Korean travelers.

Among domestic destinations, Jeju Island recorded the highest number of searches, followed by Seoul, Busan, Sokcho, and Gangneung. In particular, Sokcho and Gangneung have been gaining attention as major summer vacation spots since the opening of the Donghae Line at the end of last year improved transportation accessibility.

Lee Junhwan, Country Director of Agoda Korea, said, "With an extremely hot summer and a long monsoon season predicted, many travelers are planning their summer vacations earlier than usual. As a travel-specialized platform, Agoda will do its utmost to offer accommodations, flights, and activities at reasonable prices, as well as to propose customized travel products so that travelers can plan the perfect summer holiday."