CreatripTeam

Korean winter travel demand is moving away from Southeast Asia toward Japan and China. Following recent kidnappings of Koreans in Cambodia, safety concerns have spread across Vietnam and Thailand, reducing bookings to the region. Travel agencies report November–December reservations show Japan as the top destination (about 20–30%), followed by Vietnam, China and Thailand, while overall Southeast Asia share fell from 36.1% to 30.2% in October. Airlines and tour operators cite Japan’s short flights, varied routes and seasonal attractions (autumn foliage and winter scenery) as reasons for rising bookings. China’s travel recovery is aided by eased restrictions (including extended visa-free entry for 45 countries) and expanded flights. Popular long-haul options like Europe remain steady for holiday markets and festivals. Despite the shift, many top Southeast Asia routes from Incheon and Busan (notably several in Vietnam: Da Nang, Nha Trang, Ho Chi Minh, Hanoi, Phu Quoc) still recorded high passenger numbers last winter season.