The majority of South Koreans booked flights to Vietnam, Thailand, and other Southeast Asian countries for the Chuseok holidays between September 7 and 15. (image: Yonhap)
SEOUL, Sept. 3 (Korea Bizwire) — As South Korea continues to boycott Japanese products in response to economic retaliation from Japan, this year’s most sought-after tourist destination for the Chuseok holidays is also changing.
Wemakeprice Inc., a local open market operator, said that the majority of South Koreans booked flights to Vietnam, Thailand, and other Southeast Asian countries for the Chuseok holidays between September 7 and 15.
Da Nang, Vietnam was the most popular destination with a reservation rate of 12.6 percent, followed by Bangkok, Thailand (6.5 percent), and Guam (6 percent).
Most Japanese cities, with the exception of Osaka, have been pushed out of the top five destinations for Chuseok this year. Fukuoka ranked sixth, followed by Tokyo in seventh. Okinawa remained in 14th place.
Most Japanese cities have been replaced with Southeast Asian destinations since last year, when Osaka (13.8 percent) ranked second after Da Nang (14.8 percent), followed by Fukuoka in third (10.4 percent), and Tokyo in fourth (10 percent).
All flight reservations for Japanese cities have plunged this year, including Osaka (-62 percent), Fukuoka (-66 percent), and Tokyo (-71 percent).
“Usually, flight reservations during Chuseok holidays are made two to six months prior to D-day,” said Wemakeprice Inc.
“The recent change in social mood towards Japan since July, however, has led many South Koreans to cancel their flights to Japan, deciding to travel to Southeast Asian countries instead.”
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
