In Southeast Asia, Vietnam was the hottest travel destination during September 22 to 26 period. (image: Pixabay)
SEOUL, Sept. 28 (Korea Bizwire) — Southeast Asian countries, especially Vietnam, were the hottest holiday destinations during this year’s Chuseok weekend.
Fewer South Koreans travelled during Chuseok compared to last year due to a shorter holiday weekend, but more people were found to have traveled to Europe than last year.
According to Korea’s leading travel agency, Mode Tour, travel tour packages for Southeast Asia during September 22 to 26 period accounted for 40.6 percent of all travel packages (excluding airfare exclusive deals).
Travel packages to China (22.7 percent) and Japan (20 percent) were also very popular. Among travel package buyers, 8.3 percent preferred Europe, which was a 20 percent increase when compared to previous years.
In Southeast Asia, Vietnam was the hottest travel destination with a 39 percent market share followed by Taiwan (17.2 percent), the Philippines (13 percent), and Thailand (11.9 percent).
Meanwhile, the number of South Koreans who preferred to enjoy their long weekend at home was slightly lower than last year, but restaurants and hotels for “staycations” remained highly popular.
The buffet and Chinese restaurant situated within the InterContinental Grand Seoul Parnas saw an increase in sales compared to last year.
The Park View, a buffet restaurant at the Shilla Seoul, was fully booked throughout the holiday weekend. Rooms at the Lotte Hotel World were also fully booked thanks to the holiday weekend.
Famous sites in Seoul, such as the observation deck (Seoul Sky) at Lotte World in Jamsil and the hotel group’s aquarium were also popular with guests looking to enjoy their Chuseok weekend.
Compared to the Chuseok holiday weekend last year, Seoul Sky enjoyed a 160.2 percent surge in guests, and the aquarium hosted 78 percent more visitors this year.
Ashley Song (ashley@koreabizwire.com)
