Demand for overseas travel during Korea's May holiday is concentrating on nearby destinations such as Japan, China, and Vietnam. Analysts say rising costs from the high won-dollar exchange rate and higher fuel prices have pushed travelers toward destinations with shorter flight times and more flexible schedules rather than long-haul trips.
According to Yellow Balloon Tour on Thursday, Japan accounted for the largest share of May bookings at 27%, followed by China (25%) and Vietnam (11%). The top three destinations together made up more than 60% of total bookings, highlighting a clear concentration on short-haul travel.
Routes that allow three- to four-day itineraries, such as Fukuoka, Zhangjiajie, and Da Nang, drew particularly heavy bookings, reflecting the spread of a "short and efficient travel" trend.
The calendar also played a role, with Labor Day on May 1, Children's Day, and Buddha's Birthday falling close together, allowing travelers to take up to five consecutive days off by using just one day of annual leave. Short trips departing on Friday and returning over the weekend increased, reflecting value-conscious consumption aimed at minimizing the use of annual leave.
"The May holiday is characterized less by an overall rise in demand and more by a shift toward more value-oriented travel amid cost pressures," a Yellow Balloon Tour official said. "For short itineraries, selective spending centered on nearby destinations continues."
Airport Draws 220,000 Daily, with Japan and China Trips Dominant
Airport traffic has also surged. Incheon International Airport is expected to handle approximately 1.3 million passengers during the holiday period, with daily averages exceeding 210,000 — well above normal levels. Traffic is projected to grow toward the middle of the holiday, surpassing 220,000 on certain days.
By region, Japan-bound demand led with about 30% of the total, followed by Southeast Asia and China. Demand for Middle East routes, by contrast, has effectively plunged due to the international situation. The airline industry says that despite high fuel prices and rising airfares, short-haul demand has held up, leaving overall travel flows largely unaffected.
Meanwhile, the number of foreign tourists visiting Korea during the same period has also risen sharply. About 200,000 visitors from Japan and China alone are expected to enter the country, up 20% to 30% from a year earlier. Neighboring countries are also entering holiday periods, boosting inbound demand in tandem.
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