South Koreans Shift Travel Preferences from Domestic to Japan for Lunar New Year

As South Koreans prepare for the Lunar New Year, a notable shift in travel preferences has emerged. Flight search data from Skyscanner indicates that over half of the flight inquiries from South Korean travelers are directed towards Japan, marking a significant departure from the domestic travel trends observed in previous years. Specifically, Japan accounts for 51.6% of all searches, with Fukuoka leading at 23.3%, followed closely by Osaka at 23.2% and Tokyo at 13.7%. In contrast, the only domestic destination to make the top ten is Jeju, which stands at 11.6%. This is a marked decline from the previous year when domestic locations such as Busan, Seoul, and Jeju dominated the search landscape, collectively representing 57% of all inquiries.

South China Morning Post

The change in travel behavior can be attributed to several factors, including the calendar structure for the upcoming holiday. In 2025, an additional government-designated holiday will create a nine-day break without necessitating any annual leave. This extended period encourages families to prioritize traditional ancestral rites before considering domestic travel options.

South China Morning Post

Despite the growing interest in international travel, some critics express concern that this trend may undermine the cultural significance of traditional family gatherings during the Lunar New Year. They argue that the focus on travel could detract from the importance of ancestral rites and familial connections that the holiday traditionally emphasizes.

South China Morning Post

Officials have noted the changing dynamics of travel preferences, acknowledging the impact of the extended holiday on family planning. The government has encouraged families to maintain their cultural practices while also embracing the opportunity for travel.

South China Morning Post

As the Lunar New Year approaches, travel agencies and airlines are likely to respond to this shift by increasing flight availability and promotional offers to Japan. Observers will be monitoring how these trends evolve in the coming years, particularly with the anticipated changes in holiday scheduling.

South China Morning Post

“More than half of flight searches this holiday are for Japan , signalling a sharp shift away from the domestic travel boom that defined the holiday last year.” — Skyscanner Data Analyst

South China Morning Post

“The reversal is driven in part by the calendar.” — Travel Industry Expert

South China Morning Post