Is 'No Japan' Over?…The Most Desired Overseas Travel Destination for Koreans Is #1

82% of Respondents Have Specific Plans for Overseas Travel

In a survey, Japan was revealed as the most preferred overseas travel destination among Koreans. The photo shows the departure hall of Incheon International Airport Terminal 1 bustling with passengers on the 8th of last month.

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Wooseok] As overseas travel restrictions due to COVID-19 have been lifted, Japan has been identified as the most preferred overseas travel destination among Koreans.

Payment company VISA announced the results of a survey on changes in Korean consumers' perceptions and attitudes toward overseas travel after COVID-19 on the 11th. The survey was conducted from May 27 to June 8, targeting 1,000 adults aged 20 to under 59 residing in Seoul, Gyeonggi, Incheon, Busan, Daegu, Gwangju, and Daejeon.

VISA analyzed changes by comparing before and after COVID-19 regarding Koreans' intentions to travel abroad, preferred destinations, considerations when traveling, and payment methods used.

According to the survey, 82% of respondents said they have concrete plans for overseas travel. Among them, 59% said they plan to travel abroad within one year. Additionally, more than half (58.8%) had already booked or paid for travel products such as flights and accommodations.

Among those planning overseas travel within one year, 20.5% said Japan is their top consideration. Originally, travel to Japan accounted for about 20% of all trips, showing high domestic demand, but the 2019 Japan boycott movement (No Japan) caused a sharp decline in travelers, and with the onset of COVID-19, travel was effectively "paused."

However, more than three years have passed since the No Japan movement, and with the recent lifting of social distancing measures, demand for overseas travel has increased, leading to renewed interest in the previously popular Japan travel.

Following Japan, Vietnam (9.7%), Thailand (8.2%), the United States (6.5%), and Singapore (5.2%) were chosen as desired travel destinations.

Asia is not only the region most visited by those with overseas travel experience before COVID-19 (79%) but also the region most considered by respondents planning overseas travel within one year (59%).

The most important factors when selecting overseas travel destinations (multiple responses allowed) were travel expenses (41%) and flight/accommodation fees (40%). Safety was also cited as a key factor. The percentage of respondents considering the level of emergency infrastructure in the travel area increased to 12%, up 8% from 4% before the COVID-19 outbreak.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.