Chinese Tourists Shift from Japan to Korea as Diplomatic Thaw Boosts Visits
Creatrip Team
2 months ago
South Korea has become the top New Year travel destination for Chinese tourists, as worsening China–Japan relations push travelers away from Japan and a diplomatic thaw between Seoul and Beijing (한·중 정상회담) reassures visitors. China's group visa-free entry policy and positive remarks by President Xi—described as ice melting and fruit ripening—have encouraged travel agencies and tourists to favor Korea. Travel platforms report Korea (Seoul) as the most booked overseas spot for the Jan 1–3 holiday, while Japan fell out of the top 10. Korean tourism authorities are shifting marketing toward experiential travel—beauty and K-pop campaigns for women in their 20s–40s, sports and cultural learning tours, small-group packages (3–6 people) and educational “learning trips” to match new preferences. However, industry leaders warn Korea lacks sufficient infrastructure to host high-value groups such as corporate training and university exchange delegations diverted from Japan, calling for public–private coordination to build capacity.
