# Chinese tourism surge in Seoul > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/chinese-tourism-surge-in-seoul > Updated: 2026-10-03T21:31:00.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2. During the Chinese National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holidays, Seoul has seen a significant surge in popularity among Chinese travelers. Flight bookings to the city increased by more than 50% compared to the previous year, outperforming the general 4% growth in Chinese outbound flight bookings and overtaking other major Asian hubs like Hong Kong, Bangkok, and Singapore. In response to this demand, South Korean aviation authorities have allocated new flight rights to increase frequency between Incheon and major Chinese cities such as Beijing and Shanghai. Retailers in Seoul are also tailoring services to this influx. Galleria Department Store launched a ‘Luxury Hall in Seoul’ promotion to target foreign tourists, combining luxury shopping with K-content. The retailer introduced specialized services including a new global membership, Alipay+ payment incentives, and VIP access to personal shopper rooms and global lounges. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-03: Seoul becomes top destination for Chinese travelers during Golden Week Seoul has become the top destination for Chinese tourists during the National Day holidays, with flight bookings rising over 50% as travelers shift interest away from Japan. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/seoul-becomes-top-destination-for-chinese-travelers-during-golden-week ### 2026-10-02: Galleria Department Store targets foreign tourists for Chinese National Day Galleria Department Store is hosting the ‘Luxury Hall in Seoul’ promotion to attract foreign tourists during the Chinese National Day holiday by blending luxury shopping with K-fashion and traditional culture. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/galleria-department-store-targets-foreign-tourists-for-chinese-national-day --- Cite as: Chinese tourism surge in Seoul. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/chinese-tourism-surge-in-seoul