Chinese Tourists Shift from Japan to Jeju as Flights and Cruises Adjust
Creatrip Team
2 months ago
China’s restrictions on travel to Japan and limits on Japanese cultural content have pushed many Chinese tourists to choose Jeju Island instead. Chinese airlines have added flights to Jeju—winter routes were increased by 16 weekly services from last month to this month—bringing service to 13 Chinese cities and 125 weekly flights, up from 10 cities and 103 weekly flights last winter. Expansion has been led mainly by Chinese carriers, signaling a recovery in group travel demand. Cruise itineraries are also being reworked to drop Japanese ports and add more days in Jeju or calls at Busan. Last year Jeju saw over 13 million visitors, and Chinese travelers made up 72.6% of foreign arrivals (about 1.42 million through Oct.), a 15.4% year‑on‑year rise. Industry sources expect further growth—especially in package tours linking mainland Chinese cities and Jeju—when summer schedules are finalized.
