Seoul Ranks Top 5 in Asia for Lunar New Year Travel Searches
Creatrip Team
2 months ago
Agoda analysis of Lunar New Year accommodation searches shows Tokyo first, followed by Bangkok, Taipei, Osaka, and Seoul in the top five. Domestic destinations are also rising in popularity among foreigners: Jeju searches jumped 72% year-on-year, driven by K-content (Korean popular culture) interest—particularly the Netflix-hit drama that spotlighted Jeju’s haenyeo (female freedivers) and related attractions—and active marketing like Jeju Tourism’s “JJ Friends” campaign. Other Korean spots gaining inbound interest include Busan, Incheon, and Pyeongchang (noted for winter sports and the Daegwallyeong Snow Flower Festival), with Pyeongchang searches up 40%. Taiwanese visitors formed the largest inbound group, followed by Japan and Hong Kong. Domestically, Koreans mostly searched for Jeju, Seoul, Busan, Sokcho, and Gyeongju, the last seeing a 105% surge amid APEC-related promotion and a rise as a ‘New-tro’ cultural spot. Agoda says demand across Asia is surging, especially for uniquely Korean experiences.
