Seoul becomes top destination for Chinese travelers during Golden Week

During China’s Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holidays, Seoul has emerged as the top destination for Chinese travelers, with flight bookings to the city increasing by more than 50% compared to the previous year. This surge significantly outpaces the overall 4% growth in Chinese outbound flight bookings.

Data from various Chinese online travel agencies (OTAs) indicate that Seoul has overtaken other major Asian hubs like Hong Kong, Bangkok, and Singapore in popularity. This shift coincides with a decline in interest toward Japan, which has dropped out of the top 10 most popular destinations for Chinese tourists during this period, partly due to diplomatic tensions and travel advisories.

To accommodate the rising demand, South Korean aviation capacity is expanding. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport has allocated new flight rights to various airlines, increasing the frequency of key routes between Incheon and major Chinese cities such as Beijing and Shanghai. Additionally, new routes connecting regional South Korean airports to Chinese cities are expected to launch in the coming seasons.