A bustling departure area at Incheon International Airport. The photo is unrelated to the article. [Yonhap News]
[Herald Economy = Choi Won-hyuk] There are predictions that the number of travelers heading overseas will increase during this year’s Lunar New Year holidays, which have been extended due to the designation of a temporary holiday.
On the 15th, travel platform Trip.com predicted that during this year’s Lunar New Year holiday period (January 25 to 30, 2025), the number of domestic travelers going overseas would increase by 73.15%, while foreign travelers visiting Korea would increase by 18.16% compared to last year’s Lunar New Year period (February 9 to 12, 2024). These figures were derived from the combined reservation rates of flights, accommodations, and activities booked through the 6th for travel during the Lunar New Year holiday period.
When comparing the number of bookings made on January 25, the start of this year’s Lunar New Year holiday, to those made on February 8, the start of last year’s holiday, there was an 84.23% increase.
The day when the most bookings were made by domestic travelers was the 25th, the start of the holiday, while it was the 26th for international travelers. With the extended holiday, the average length of stay at travel destinations also increased. The average stay for domestic travelers going overseas was 8.1 days, and for international travelers in Korea, it was 7.6 days on average.
Additionally, Japan was the most booked destination by Korean travelers during the holiday period, with Tokyo, Osaka, and Fukuoka being the top cities, followed by Bangkok, Shanghai, and Hong Kong. Sapporo, Nha Trang, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang also ranked high.
In contrast, the most visited regions in Korea by foreign travelers were Seoul, Jeju, Busan, Incheon, and Seogwipo, followed by Pyeongchang County, Hongcheon County, Chuncheon City, Jeongseon County, and Gangneung City.