"With Departure Tax Set to Rise Soon"—The Place Koreans Are Flocking to During the Lunar New Year Holiday

[Financial News] Ahead of the peak travel season during the Lunar New Year holiday, a recent survey shows that demand among Korean travelers for trips to Japan continues to be strong.
According to booking data from Hotels.com on the 6th, Korean travelers are most frequently searching for destinations such as Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka, and Sapporo. Notably, during the Lunar New Year holiday period, searches for Kagoshima and Kobe have surged by 160% and 95% year-on-year, respectively, making them newly popular destinations.
However, as it is a peak season, accommodation rates in major Japanese destinations are also expected to rise during the Lunar New Year holiday. Hotels.com reported that the average daily rate (ADR) in Tokyo and Osaka is approximately 371,000 won and 267,000 won, respectively, which is significantly higher than last year's Hotel Price Index (HPI) averages of 255,000 won and 199,000 won.
In contrast, some long-haul destinations are maintaining relatively stable accommodation rates even during the holiday period. This could offer an alternative for travelers who can flexibly adjust their Lunar New Year holiday schedules.
For example, London's ADR during the Lunar New Year holiday is about 344,000 won, which is lower than its annual HPI average of 370,000 won. Rome's ADR is around 340,000 won, similar to its yearly average, presenting opportunities for those considering a trip to Europe.
Beyond Japan, the quintessential short-haul destination, there is a growing interest in 'season switching' travel to regions in the opposite season. Hotels.com noted that searches for Melbourne (+60%), Sydney (+30%), and Dubai (+85%) have increased significantly year-on-year, reflecting the diverse travel preferences of Korean travelers during the Lunar New Year holiday.
A Hotels.com representative explained, "This data highlights Korean travelers' plans and booking behaviors around the Lunar New Year holiday, as well as the demand and price trends observed during the peak season."
bng@fnnews.com Kim Hee-sun Reporter