SEOUL, Aug. 3 (Korea Bizwire) — Soaring consumer prices, a resurgence in the number of COVID-19 cases being reported, and scorching weather are prompting more young South Koreans in their 20s and 30s to postpone their summer vacation.
“I saved up 10 vacation days. I’m thinking of going on a trip to Europe in the winter instead of paying a fortune to buy a plane ticket in the summer,” said a 28-year-old office worker surnamed Lee.
“It is quite disappointing that I don’t get to go on holiday in the summer, but that doesn’t mean I’m giving up on it. I’m just going in a different season.”
In the peak season, the surging cost of accommodations and food at travel destinations is too much for many young South Koreans to afford.
“There is a limit to revenge consumption. With the worsening economy, it feels like I’m overspending, even when it comes to domestic travel,” said Kim Sang-mi, a 29-year-old office worker from Gangnam District.
“The younger generation isn’t just going to the beach for summer vacation. They are seeking changes in the ways they can find a satisfactory way to spend their holidays,” said Lee Eun-hee, a professor of consumer science at Inha University.
Image Credit: Yonhap / photonews@koreabizwire.com
