CreatripTeam

Klook data for Jan–Sep shows Koreans still favor short-haul destinations like Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Vietnam, but bookings are increasingly for lesser-known small cities. Fujinomiya (Shizuoka) saw bookings jump more than 38-fold year‑on‑year, while Naha (Okinawa) and Sapa grew over 60%. Travelers are moving away from big-city tourism toward immersive experiences in local culture and nature. Fujinomiya offers views of Mount Fuji, onsen (hot spring) baths, outlet shopping and food tours; Naha — often called “Japan’s Hawaii” — attracts beach and marine activities and more independent trips (rent‑a-car bookings up 250%); Sapa draws visitors with Fansipan mountain, dramatic highland scenery and ethnic minority culture, helped by improved Hanoi–Sapa transport links. Klook says demand for culturally deep, experience-focused travel is rising and it will promote more hidden gems.