This file photo, taken May 4, 2025, shows passengers at Terminal 1 of Incheon International Airport in Incheon, just west of Seoul. (Yonhap)
SEOUL, June 8 (Korea Bizwire) — Air travel between South Korea and Japan reached an all-time high in the first five months of 2025, surpassing 11 million passengers despite a strengthening Japanese yen, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport announced Sunday.
A total of 11.25 million travelers flew between the two countries from January to May, marking a 10.7% increase from the 10.16 million recorded during the same period in 2024 and a 19.8% rise from pre-pandemic levels in 2019, when 9.39 million passengers were reported.
The surge in travel comes amid continued enthusiasm for Japanese tourism, fueled by expanded routes from budget carriers and lingering pent-up demand. Industry experts say years of favorable exchange rates and low-cost flight options have made Japan a preferred destination for South Korean travelers.
Despite a recent uptick in the yen — which climbed to an average of 999.96 won in April, up from 927.97 won in January — the currency eased to 962.28 won in May, according to data from the Bank of Korea.
Looking ahead, travel demand is expected to remain strong in the second half of the year. Officials project total air traffic between the two countries could surpass last year’s record of 25.14 million passengers.
Further boosting optimism, South Korea and Japan recently introduced exclusive immigration lanes for each other’s citizens in June to commemorate the 60th anniversary of normalized diplomatic relations — a move expected to further ease cross-border travel and encourage tourism.
Ashley Song (ashley@koreabizwire.com)
