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Visa-free travel and short flights drive more South Koreans to China
About 1.7 million South Koreans visited China in the first half of this year, up 16.0% from the same period last year, with China the top overseas destination for the July 18 to August 8 travel window.
South Korean weekend travel to China is rising as more travelers opt for visa-free entry and shorter flights, according to SCMP Economy. The outlet highlighted the experience of a Seoul resident visiting Qingdao in northern China and weighing her next trip, citing affordability, proximity, and food. SCMP Economy also pointed to the scale of the travel shift. Data cited from South Korea’s Ministry of Justice showed about 1.7 million South Koreans visited China in the first half of the year, a 16.0% increase versus the same period last year. Short-haul itineraries are dominating outbound plans. SCMP Economy said short-haul trips made up 82% of South Koreans’ overseas journeys between July 18 and August 8, with China ranking first among destinations at 27.4%.