Nha Trang Tops Korean Travelers' Summer Destination List
As summer approaches, there is a noticeable increase in demand for early vacations, particularly among travelers seeking short-haul destinations in Southeast Asia and Japan. According to data released on June 12 by travel platform Agoda, Nha Trang, Vietnam, has emerged as the most preferred travel destination for South Korean tourists for the months of June and July this year.
Tokyo, which held the top spot last year, has dropped to second place, followed by Fukuoka and Osaka in Japan, and Da Nang in Vietnam. Agoda's analysis indicates that the demand for travel among South Koreans is heavily concentrated in Vietnam and Japan this year, likely due to ongoing high inflation, prompting travelers to favor more affordable and closer destinations.
Additionally, searches for Chinese cities Qingdao and Shanghai have surged by 212% and 207%, respectively, likely influenced by the temporary visa exemption for South Koreans implemented by the Chinese government last November.
Within South Korea, Jeju Island remains the most searched domestic destination, followed by Seoul, Busan, Sokcho, and Gangneung. Notably, Sokcho and Gangneung have gained popularity as summer vacation spots since the opening of the Donghae Line at the end of last year, improving accessibility.
An Agoda representative noted that the forecast of extreme heat and prolonged rainy seasons this summer has led many travelers to plan their vacations earlier. This strategy allows them to avoid the crowds typically seen in late July to early August, while also taking advantage of lower accommodation costs compared to peak season rates.
