China surpasses Japan as the leading destination for Korean travelers
China has overtaken Japan as the top travel destination for Koreans, driven by a surge in weekend trips and improved travel conveniences that are reshaping regional tourism patterns.
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| Cherry blossoms at night in Changwon City, Gyeongsangnam Province, South Korea. (Source: korea.net) |
Recent data from Trip.com shows that bookings for round-trip flights departing Korea after 6 p.m. on Fridays and returning by Sunday have surged by more than 150 percent in the first five months of 2025 compared to the same period last year.
Notably, more than 80 percent of these bookings were made by solo travelers or pairs, highlighting the growing appeal of quick, flexible getaways over traditional family vacations.
Local market research firm Consumer Insight also confirmed China’s rise to the top, naming it the leading overseas destination for Koreans, followed by Japan, the Philippines, Vietnam and Thailand.
“The demand for short, spontaneous trips - so-called ‘night goblin’ getaways - has soared, and China’s proximity and evolving travel infrastructure have made it the go-to choice for Korean office workers,” Consumer Insight stated in its latest report released Wednesday.
The shift is driven by China’s expanded visa-free policy, introduced in late 2024, which allows South Korean nationals to visit for up to 15 days without a visa. Coupled with rapid advances in mobile payments, transportation and navigation apps, the policy has significantly lowered travel barriers that once deterred independent travelers, the report noted.
For years, Japan held the crown as the top outbound travel destination for Koreans, driven by its close proximity, rich cultural experiences and favorable exchange rates. In 2024 alone, Koreans accounted for the largest group of international visitors to Japan, with 8.83 million arrivals out of a record 36.9 million total foreign visitors.
Shanghai remains a top draw for its cultural landmarks and luxury offerings, but lesser-known cities like Qingdao and Yantai on the Shandong Peninsula have surged in popularity.
Qingdao alone accounted for more than 30 percent of all Chinese city bookings by Koreans, while Yantai ranked fourth with 8.5 percent.
Both cities are just a 90-minute flight from Seoul and offer unique attractions, including the Tsingtao Beer Museum, Laoshan Mountain and Polar Ocean World in Qingdao, as well as the historic Penglai Pavilion, scenic island cruises and wine culture museums in Yantai.
This trend is reflected in broader tourism statistics: Korea saw a 157 percent increase in visitors to China in 2024, with bookings for the upcoming Lunar New Year season up by 452 percent compared to the year before.
“The Chinese free travel market is poised for continued growth, thanks to the interplay of visa-free access, enhanced tech-driven convenience, increased flight options and evolving consumer demand,” said Hong Jong-min, head of Trip.com Korea.
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