Top 5 Overseas Travel Destinations Most Sought After by Koreans ep.1

해외 여행이 일상 속에서 중요한 부분으로 자리 잡으면서, 한국인들이 선호하는 여행지 또한 다양해지고 있습니다. 가까운 아시아 국가들은 여전히 인기 있는 선택지로 남아 있으며, 미국과 같은 먼 거리에 있는 여행지도 점점 더 많은 관심을 받고 있습니다. 특히 저렴한 가격, 맛있는 음식, 아름다운 자연 경관을 갖춘 나라들이 높은 순위를 기록하고 있습니다. 이제 아래에서 하나씩 확인해보겠습니다.

Where are the most popular overseas travel destinations for South Koreans?
Based on travel data from 2024, we will also explore the overseas trends for 2025.

In this article, based on the entry and exit data and airfare reservation data for 2024, we present the TOP 5 overseas travel destinations most frequented by Koreans

1. Japan – The closest popular overseas travel destination

• Tokyo: A paradise for shopping and food exploration, Disneyland
• Osaka: A food tour in Dotonbori, Universal Studios
• Fukuoka: A culinary destination famous for tonkotsu ramen and motsunabe
• Sapporo: Reasons why winter sports and snow festivals in Japan are popular

Reasons for popularity

• Close distance (flight time 1-2 hours)
• Affordable airfare and travel costs
• Attraction of Japanese food and shopping

2. Vietnam – Affordable prices and beautiful resorts

• Da Nang: Ba Na Hills, My Khe Beach
• Hanoi: Halong Bay cruise
• Ho Chi Minh: War Museum, Ben Thanh Market
• Nha Trang: Resort travel

Reasons for the popularity of Vietnam travel

• Affordable prices allow for cost-effective travel
• Diverse beaches and luxury resorts
• Traditional Vietnamese massage and street food

3. Thailand – A cost-effective travel destination, massages and delicious food

• Bangkok: Palace tours, Khao San Road
• Phuket: Patong Beach, Phi Phi Island tour
• Chiang Mai: Visit to an elephant sanctuary
• Pattaya: Walking Street, Coral Island tour

Reasons for the popularity of Thailand travel

• Affordable airfare and hotels
• Diverse activities and delicious food
• Massage & spa services are inexpensive

4. United States – A long-distance travel destination that offers shopping and sightseeing at the same time

• New York: Times Square, Statue of Liberty
• LA: Hollywood, Universal Studios
• Las Vegas: Casino & show viewing
• Hawaii: Waikiki Beach

Reasons for the popularity of US travel

• Diverse tourist attractions and a shopping paradise
• Theme parks & famous food experiences
• Popular for family trips and honeymoons

5. Philippines – Affordable resort destination for snorkeling and diving

• Cebu: Island hopping tour, Kawasan Falls
• Boracay: White Beach, sunset cruise
• Manila: Mall of Asia

Reasons for the popularity of Philippines travel

• Affordable prices and resort travel
• Heaven for snorkeling & scuba diving

 

As overseas travel becomes a part of everyday life, the preferred travel destinations for Koreans are also diversifying.
Nearby Asian travel destinations continue to show strength, while long-distance destinations like the United States are also gaining popularity. In particular, countries with affordable prices, delicious food, and beautiful natural scenery are ranking high.