South Koreans Flock Overseas During Lunar New Year, Japan Tops Travel List
Every year, Lunar New Year turns airports across South Korea into something close to controlled chaos. Suitcases rolling nonstop, boarding lines stretching forever, and families rushing to catch early morning flights it’s basically travel season on steroids.
This year, the trend is even more obvious: South Koreans flock overseas during Lunar New Year, and Japan tops the travel list once again. From Tokyo shopping sprees to Osaka food tours, Japan has become the go-to destination for Korean holiday travelers.
So what’s behind this travel surge? And why is Japan winning the popularity contest?
Let’s break it down.
Lunar New Year Travel Boom Is Back — Big Time
Lunar New Year is one of the most important holidays in South Korea. Traditionally, it’s a time for family gatherings, ancestral rites, and home-cooked meals. But in recent years, there’s been a noticeable shift.
More South Koreans are choosing international travel instead of staying home.
Airlines report spikes in bookings weeks before the holiday. Major hubs like Incheon International Airport and Gimpo Airport see millions of passengers during the festive period. Travel agencies say overseas package tours sell out quickly especially short-haul destinations.
And at the top of that list? Japan.
Why Japan Tops the Travel List
It’s not random. Japan checks a lot of boxes for Korean travelers.
1. Short Flight Time
Japan is close. Flights from Seoul to Tokyo or Osaka take around two hours. That makes it perfect for a 3–5 day Lunar New Year getaway. No jet lag. No exhausting long-haul travel.
For families traveling with kids or elderly parents, convenience matters.
2. Weak Yen Advantage
Currency exchange plays a big role. When the Japanese yen is relatively weak compared to the Korean won, travel becomes more affordable. Shopping, dining, hotels everything feels like a better deal.
And let’s be honest: Koreans love a good shopping run.
From luxury brands in Ginza to beauty and lifestyle stores in Shibuya, Japan offers a mix of premium and quirky retail experiences that are hard to resist.
3. Food Culture Appeal
Food tourism is huge. Sushi, ramen, wagyu beef, street snacks in Osaka Japanese cuisine continues to attract Korean travelers.
For many, Lunar New Year travel isn’t just about sightseeing. It’s about eating well.
Social Media Is Fueling the Trend
Travel decisions today don’t happen in a vacuum. Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok heavily influence where people go.
When influencers post Tokyo café tours or Kyoto aesthetic temple shots, it sparks serious FOMO.
Many South Korean travelers say they discovered restaurants or hidden spots in Japan through social media. Lunar New Year becomes the perfect excuse to turn those saved posts into real-life experiences.
So yes, the phrase “South Koreans flock overseas during Lunar New Year” isn’t just a headline. It’s a social media-driven movement.
Beyond Japan: Other Popular Destinations
While Japan tops the travel list, it’s not the only destination seeing Korean visitors.
Southeast Asian countries like Thailand and Vietnam also attract holiday travelers, especially those seeking warm weather. Meanwhile, some opt for luxury trips to Europe or the United States if vacation days allow.
Still, Japan remains the easiest and most accessible option. The mix of proximity, affordability, and familiarity gives it a consistent edge.
Economic Impact on South Korea
This overseas travel boom comes with mixed reactions.
On one hand, it shows strong consumer confidence. People are willing to spend on international trips. That’s generally a good sign for household sentiment.
On the other hand, domestic tourism businesses sometimes feel the pressure. Hotels, local attractions, and regional travel operators in South Korea may see slower growth when large numbers of citizens head abroad.
Government tourism boards often encourage locals to explore domestic destinations, but the appeal of Japan during Lunar New Year is tough to beat.
Japan’s Tourism Industry Benefits
For Japan, the influx of South Korean tourists is a major boost.
Korean visitors consistently rank among the largest groups of foreign travelers to Japan. During peak seasons like Lunar New Year, hotels in Tokyo, Osaka, and Fukuoka often report high occupancy rates.
Retail stores also benefit significantly. Department stores and electronics retailers frequently prepare special promotions targeting Korean tourists.
It’s a win-win at least economically.
Travel Trends: Short, Smart, and Experience-Driven
The way South Koreans travel during Lunar New Year has also changed.
It’s less about rigid group tours and more about flexible, experience-based travel. Many travelers now:
- Book flights independently.
- Reserve boutique hotels.
- Plan food-focused itineraries.
- Visit pop culture spots linked to anime, gaming, or K-pop collaborations.
Some even structure trips around seasonal themes, like winter illuminations or snow festivals in northern Japan.
The modern Lunar New Year traveler wants stories, not just souvenirs.
Family Travel vs. Young Travelers
There’s also a generational shift happening.
Older generations may still prioritize traditional family gatherings during Lunar New Year. But younger Koreans especially millennials and Gen Z are more open to traveling abroad.
For dual-income households with limited vacation days, combining Lunar New Year with an overseas trip feels efficient.
Instead of preparing large family meals, they’re boarding flights.
That shift says a lot about changing lifestyle values in South Korea.
Challenges: Overcrowding and Rising Costs
Of course, not everything is smooth.
When South Koreans flock overseas during Lunar New Year, airfare prices surge. Hotel rates climb. Tourist hotspots get crowded.
In Japan, popular districts like Shibuya or Dotonbori can feel packed during peak holiday windows. Some travelers even complain that the experience feels less relaxing due to congestion.
Still, demand remains strong year after year.
Will the Trend Continue?
All signs suggest yes.
As long as flights remain accessible and the currency exchange stays favorable, Japan will likely continue topping the travel list during Lunar New Year.
Travel is increasingly seen as a lifestyle priority rather than a luxury. For many South Koreans, spending on experiences feels more meaningful than buying material goods.
And Lunar New Year offers the perfect window to make it happen.
Final Thoughts
The headline says it all: South Koreans flock overseas during Lunar New Year, and Japan tops the travel list.
What used to be a strictly family-centered holiday is now also one of the biggest travel seasons of the year. Airports are busier, travel apps are buzzing, and social feeds are filled with Tokyo skylines and Osaka street food clips.
It’s a reflection of how traditions evolve. Family gatherings still matter but so do personal experiences.
In 2026, Lunar New Year isn’t just about staying home. For many South Koreans, it’s about boarding a plane, exploring new cities, and starting the year with a stamp in their passport.
And right now, that stamp most often says: Japan.