Vietnam becomes most favourable destination for Koreans

12 July, 2024

The Republic of Korea travel firm Kyowon Tour Travel Easy revealed its “Travel trend analysis for the third quarter of 2024 and popular tourist destinations”. Vietnam has surpassed Japan to top the list of favourable foreign destinations for Korean tourists.

Travel booking data in the third quarter of this year, including summer holiday and Chuseok holiday (Mid-autumn festival) showed that for the first time, the reservation rate for Vietnam reached 13.7%, higher than that of Japan at 13.2%. China ranked third in the list with 11.7%. Thailand came fourth at 7.1%, followed by Mongolia.

According to Travel Easy, due to the impact of high inflation, more Koreans have chosen foreign destinations during the holiday season or for early vacation to avoid the peak season to reduce the burden of cost.

During the peak season (26th July - 4th August), short-haul travel destinations are at the top of the rankings. Vietnam ranked first (18.2%), followed by Japan (13.0%), China (12.6%), Thailand (8.9%) and the Philippines (7.6%). The demand for Vietnam tourism increases dramatically during the holiday season.

A report from Kyowon Tour Travel also predicts this year's Chuseok holiday, the biggest holiday of Koreans in a year, which is slated for 14-22 September, the demand to travel abroad will be greater than ever when people can get up to 9 days off by combining 2 days of annual leave. As fall approaches, demand to Southeast Asia decreases, while demand to Japan (17.0%), China (14.7%), Vietnam (14.4%) and Europe increases strongly. “Preference for destinations in China, along with Japan and Vietnam, is expected to continue to grow,” said a Travel Easy representative. “In September, demand for long-haul travel to Western and Eastern Europe is expected to rebound.”

During this period, Japan led with 17% of bookings, followed by China with 14.7% and Vietnam ranked third with 14.4%.

Previously, Korea's AsiaA newspaper reported that there are many reasons why Korean tourists love and choose Vietnam. Familiar destinations can be named as Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, Da Nang…

According to a survey by Yohap News agency, Da Nang and Ha Long are still considered "resort paradise" for Korean tourists. And the number of visitors from Korea to Phu Quoc also tends to increase.

Meanwhile, the Korea Herald said: "Nha Trang is now becoming a long-term destination for Korean youth thanks to its attractive cultural destinations during the day and many vibrant nightlife entertainment activities."