The aggregate spending of South Koreans in Japan skyrocketed to a staggering 13 trillion won last year. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
SEOUL, Jan. 23 (Korea Bizwire) — The aggregate spending of South Koreans in Japan skyrocketed to a staggering 13 trillion won last year, as travel to Japan surged in popularity.
This trend is attributed to the easing of COVID-19 pandemic restrictions and a weak Japanese yen, which has reduced the cost of spending in Japan. Travel platforms have been consistently promoting Japanese travel packages, reflecting this trend.
According to the Japan National Tourism Organization, of the 25.07 million foreigners who visited Japan last year, 28% were Koreans – meaning one in every three foreign visitors in Japan was Korean. This marks a 25% increase from pre-pandemic levels in 2019.
South Korea’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport reported that in the first two months of last year, approximately 1.95 million Koreans visited Japan, exceeding the number from the same period in 2019 by 500,000. This makes Japan the most significant single-country destination in terms of overseas routes for Koreans.
Based on the Japanese tourism industry’s record of 5.3 trillion yen (about 47.8 trillion won) spent by foreign visitors last year, South Korean spending in Japan is estimated to be around 1.48 trillion yen (approximately 13.39 trillion won).
Japan’s proximity to Korea, the absence of time difference, and numerous flight options to a variety of Japanese cities make it a traditionally popular destination for Korean travelers.
Moreover, the ongoing weakness of the yen, with rates hovering around 900 won per 100 yen, has further fueled this trend. Consequently, travel agencies are increasing their focus on Japanese travel products.
Home shopping networks and travel agencies are dedicating a significant portion of their weekend specials to Japanese travel products. GS Shop identified travel as its top-selling product last year, with Japan and Southeast Asia being the most popular short-haul destinations.
Sales of Japanese travel packages on TMON skyrocketed in the fourth quarter of last year, reaching ten times the amount of 2019. An industry insider emphasized, “The key to Japan travel is value for money. With long-haul flights to the Americas and Europe still not back to pre-pandemic levels, Japan remains a sought-after destination.”
The insider added, “In times of high prices, the continued weakness of the yen and shorter flight distances make Japan an affordable travel option.”
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
