The upcoming Lunar New Year holiday is shaping up to be a travel bonanza for Koreans, with over 1.3 million people expected to venture abroad between January 24 and February 2, 2025. This surge in travel comes as the Korean government extends the public holiday to stimulate both domestic tourism and private consumption.
Incheon International Airport is bracing for the busiest period, anticipating around 1.05 million departures. Other airports, including Gimpo, Gimhae, Jeju, Cheongju, and Daegu, are also gearing up for significant traffic, with a total of 293,649 travelers expected to depart from these locations. Gimhae International Airport is projected to handle 158,000 travelers, while Gimpo is set for 53,000.
The government’s decision to designate January 27 as a temporary public holiday has effectively extended the Lunar New Year break to six days, allowing Koreans more time to explore both domestic and international destinations. This holiday period, which can stretch up to 10 days by including two weekends, aims to boost private consumption and invigorate the domestic economy.
Travel forecasts indicate a 13.8% increase in the number of travelers compared to last year, with an average of 134,000 people expected to depart daily. The peak travel day is anticipated to be January 27, with 153,000 travelers, while January 29 is projected to see the fewest departures at 115,000. This increase signifies a busy holiday season ahead for the travel industry.
To accommodate the surge in travel, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport has ramped up flight availability by 7%, scheduling a total of 19,351 flights and increasing seat capacity by 5.8% to 4.22 million seats. Airlines are also responding with additional services; Asiana Airlines has introduced nine charter flights to popular destinations such as Kota Kinabalu, Nha Trang, and Siem Reap, while Eastar Jet has expanded its offerings to Da Nang and Taipei.
This travel boom is expected to positively impact both the Korean travel industry and international tourism markets. Destinations in Southeast Asia, particularly those included in the new flight routes, are likely to see a significant influx of Korean tourists. The broader trend of increasing travel from Korea not only supports local tourism but also enhances demand for international travel, setting a promising tone for the year ahead.
As Korean travelers flock to international destinations, the ripple effects will be felt globally, with potential increases in tourism revenue for countries that attract this demographic. The rise in available flights may also lead to more competitive pricing in the airline industry, benefiting travelers worldwide.