Korean Travelers Still Flock to Japan Despite Quake and Territorial Remarks
Creatrip Team
3 months ago
Year-end demand for short-haul trips to Japan is rising among Koreans, with major tour operators reporting strong booking gains (e.g., HanaTour up 30% for Japan packages). Factors include favorable exchange-rate dynamics and fewer Chinese tourists after China–Japan tensions, making Japan more appealing. Two potential downsides worry the travel industry: a magnitude-7.5 earthquake off northern Japan and Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s renewed claim that Dokdo (Korean name for the disputed islets; Japanese call them Takeshima) belongs to Japan, which has stirred online anger. So far agencies say bookings haven’t dropped sharply, but they are closely watching for additional quakes or a political backlash similar to the 2019 “No Japan” movement that reduced Korean visitors to some cities.
