This year's Chuseok holiday (September 24-27) is relatively shorter than last year's, prompting a shift in travel trends. Instead of family trips, there is a growing preference for solo or small group 'nearby overseas travel.' Japan, known for its accessibility and affordability, has emerged as a top choice.
According to an analysis of travel data from HotelsCombined and the travel search engine Kayak, the share of overseas hotel searches by Korean travelers during this Chuseok holiday has surged to 60%, up significantly from 37% last year.
More travelers are also planning solo trips. The proportion of solo travelers among overseas hotel searches has increased by over 6 percentage points compared to the previous year. The relatively short four-day holiday has likely contributed to the rise in demand for 'nearby solo travel.'
Japan stands out as the most popular destination, accounting for 46% of all flight searches, making it the clear leader. The ongoing depreciation of the yen has significantly influenced this trend. Major Japanese cities such as Osaka, Fukuoka, and Tokyo dominate the top three spots for flight searches.
The appeal of Japan is largely attributed to favorable exchange rates. On September 1, the exchange rate in the Seoul foreign exchange market closed at 856.77 won per 100 yen. The buying rate announced by Seoul Foreign Exchange Brokerage on September 4 was also stable at 864.62 won per 100 yen.
This trend of favoring Japan is not limited to the upcoming holiday. According to the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), 5.675 million Koreans visited Japan in the first half of this year, an 18.6% increase compared to the same period last year, making them the largest group of foreign visitors. Last year, the total number of Korean visitors reached 9.459 million, maintaining Japan's top position.
There is also notable growth in interest in destinations in the Greater China region. China ranks third in flight searches, following Japan and Vietnam. The share of searches has increased by about 2 percentage points year-on-year, with nearby cities like Shanghai and Qingdao gaining steady popularity. Taiwan, which ranked seventh in search volume last year, has jumped to fourth place, surpassing Thailand and the Philippines.
The tourism industry is quickly adapting to this demand. HotelsCombined has partnered with T'way Air to launch a special promotion for flights to Japan called 'Airfare and Combine.' Until September 9, customers who purchase tickets for T'way Air routes to Japan for over 300,000 won will receive a 30,000 won discount coupon. Additionally, a maximum discount of 10% is available. The travel period extends until March 27, 2027. Other offers include discounts of up to 25% on local hotels in Japan and up to 82% on rental cars, providing comprehensive benefits for travelers.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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