In the first half of this year, the number of international flight passengers at airports exceeded 46 million,
marking the highest record ever for the first half of the year. Among them, a survey was conducted asking about preferred destinations between domestic and overseas travel ahead of the holiday season.
Preferences for domestic and overseas travel were divided in similar proportions.
However, clear differences were observed depending on the age group
and dissatisfaction factors regarding domestic travel were also clearly revealed.
☞ Domestic or Overseas? Preference Ratios Fall Within the Margin of Error
The Korea Economic Research Institute commissioned Mono Research, a public opinion research agency,
to conduct a survey of 1,000 men and women nationwide aged 18 and older
on their 'preferences for domestic and overseas travel.'
The percentage of respondents who preferred domestic travel was 39.0%,
38.4% of respondents preferred overseas travel.
The figures were nearly identical.
This means that when deciding on a travel destination during the holiday season, there was no clear dominance between domestic and overseas options.
☞ Preferences by Age Group: "People in Their 20s Prefer Overseas... People in Their 50s Prefer Domestic"
While the overall numbers were similar, choices differed significantly by age group.
For those in their 20s and younger: overseas (48.3%) > domestic (28.6%), for those in their 50s: domestic (42.7%) > overseas (34.9%)
In particular, among people in their 20s, 48.3% preferred overseas travel,
which was nearly twice as high as those who preferred domestic travel (28.6%).
On the other hand, among those in their 50s, the proportion who preferred domestic travel was 42.7%,
which was higher than the 34.9% who preferred overseas travel.
Thus, the younger the age group, the higher the preference for overseas travel,
while the older the age group, the more pronounced the preference for domestic travel.
☞ "Why Domestic? Why Overseas?"... Reasons for Preference Differ
The main reasons cited for preferring domestic travel were:
▲ Less burden of time and cost (32.8%)
▲ Easier transportation and preparation (30.1%)
▲ No language or cultural barriers (9.4%).
Proximity, affordability, and familiarity were the main factors.
Conversely, those who preferred overseas travel cited the following reasons:
▲ The possibility of new and unique experiences (39.1%)
▲ A wide variety of tourist attractions (28.1%)
▲ Higher 'value for money' compared to domestic travel (14.8%).
There was a clear tendency to prioritize the value of the experience over cost.
☞ Satisfaction Scores: Overseas Travel Rated Higher
When asked to rate their travel satisfaction on a scale of 1 to 10,
the average for domestic travel was 8.3 points, while overseas travel scored 8.7 points,
overseas travel received a higher score.
The most frequently cited reason for lower satisfaction with domestic travel compared to overseas travel was
▼ 'Tourist prices are too high' (45.1%).
A YouTuber posted a video about an unpleasant experience at an accommodation in Ulleungdo, sparking a discussion about dissatisfaction factors in domestic travel destinations. YouTube channel 'Kkuun kkuiun'
원본보기 아이콘Next, complaints included ▼ a lack of unique regional tourism content (19.4%)
▼ and the concentration of tourism in only a few areas such as Seoul, Jeju, and Busan (9.0%).
☞ Comparison of Tourism Factors... Domestic Leads in Only Three Areas
A comparison was also made between domestic and overseas travel in terms of competitiveness across 11 tourism factors, including natural scenery and historical/cultural resources.
The results showed that domestic travel was superior to overseas travel in only
'transportation accessibility,' 'tourist convenience facilities,' and 'food' ? just three areas.
In most other categories, overseas travel received higher evaluations.
☞ "From Price Gouging Controls to Content"... What Needs to Be Improved in Domestic Travel?
The policy considered most necessary to promote domestic travel was
▲ strengthening institutional controls to prevent price gouging (35.6%).
A YouTuber visiting Yeosu was forced to order a two-person meal despite being alone, and after revealing a video of being scolded, dissatisfaction with domestic travel destinations became a hot topic. YouTube 'Yoonanhee Oneul'.
원본보기 아이콘Other suggestions included ▲ supporting the development and promotion of regionally specialized tourism content (18.6%)
▲ and expanding public transportation and infrastructure linking tourist destinations (16.2%).
Ultimately, the analysis indicates that not only the appeal of the destination itself,
but also comprehensive improvements in cost, transportation, and distribution are needed.
Lee Sangho, head of the Economic and Industrial Division at the Korea Economic Research Institute, stated, "Revitalizing domestic travel can serve as an opportunity to boost the stagnant domestic market and local economies," and emphasized, "It is urgent to make policy efforts that can enhance the competitiveness and attractiveness of domestic travel."
-
Edit Maeng Jiae mjiae@asiae.co.kr
-
Reporter Jang Heejun junh@asiae.co.kr
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
