Korean Air Drives Unprecedented Surge in South Korea-China Air Travel with Record-Breaking Passenger Growth and Government Initiatives Fueling Tourism Industry Expansion

Published on December 12, 2025

Korean Air is at the forefront of transforming South Korea-China air travel, achieving exceptional passenger growth and capitalizing on strategic government policies designed to boost tourism. The airline’s impressive increase in travelers, particularly on key routes to Shanghai, Beijing, and Qingdao, highlights the growing demand for travel between the two nations. This surge is further supported by South Korea’s recent government initiative offering visa exemptions for Chinese group tourists, which has spurred a rapid recovery in the country’s tourism sector. Together, Korean Air’s expanded operations and the government’s proactive approach are reshaping the tourism and aviation landscape, setting the stage for continued growth in both sectors.

Korean Air has reported a remarkable surge in passenger traffic on its South Korea-China routes for 2025, with Shanghai leading as the most favored destination for South Korean travelers. According to the airline’s annual report, the number of passengers flying from South Korea to Shanghai alone has surged by 128,000 compared to the previous year, marking a significant increase in demand for this route.

In addition to Shanghai, other key destinations in China have also seen notable growth. Travel between South Korea and Beijing has increased by 71,000 passengers, while the number of travelers heading to Qingdao has grown by 63,000. This surge in passenger traffic underscores the strong demand for South Korea-China routes, highlighting the region’s growing connectivity.

With these impressive increases, Korean Air is on track to transport a total of 16.49 million passengers by the end of 2025. The airline’s total flight distance is expected to reach 280 million kilometers, further solidifying its presence as a leading carrier in the region. The growth in passenger numbers reflects the airline’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its operations and expand its market share in the highly competitive Asia-Pacific aviation sector.

This surge in travel is also supported by broader government initiatives aimed at stimulating tourism in South Korea. On August 6, 2025, South Korean Prime Minister Kim Min-seok unveiled a new initiative designed to boost domestic tourism. As part of this plan, the South Korean government introduced a temporary visa exemption for Chinese group tourists. The exemption, which is effective from September 29, 2025, to June 30, 2026, is expected to drive increased demand for travel to South Korea, further accelerating the recovery of the country’s tourism industry.

The visa exemption has been warmly received by both governments. Chinese Ambassador to South Korea, Dai Bing, expressed strong support for the policy, calling it a positive step for Chinese travelers visiting South Korea. Since November 2024, China had granted visa-free entry to South Korean citizens, resulting in a sharp increase in bilateral exchanges. The implementation of this policy has already had a significant impact on trade and tourism, with a surge in Chinese visitors to South Korea. For example, just one month after the visa exemption was put into place, Chinese visitors to Seoul’s Shinsegae Duty Free Shop rose by 90%, while sales increased by 40%.

In line with these developments, Qingdao Airlines is set to launch a new direct scheduled flight between Qingdao and Daegu, South Korea, on December 21, 2025. This new non-stop route will be the first of its kind between Qingdao and Daegu, significantly enhancing the air connectivity between the two regions. This new service is expected to further strengthen the travel corridor between South Korea and China, benefiting both countries’ economies and fostering closer ties between them.

Qingdao airport has also reported a strong increase in passenger numbers. As of November 7, 2025, the airport had handled 1.806 million passenger trips involving South Korean travelers, representing a 23.6% year-on-year increase. Notably, inbound travel from South Korea accounted for 71% of the total foreign passengers at Qingdao airport, showing a 63.3% growth compared to the previous year. The routes between Seoul and Qingdao remain some of the busiest air links between China and South Korea, further emphasizing the importance of this travel corridor.

In terms of tourism, recent reports suggest that South Korea is experiencing a significant surge in hotel bookings, particularly from Chinese travelers. According to a report by Tongcheng Travel, hotel bookings in South Korea saw a remarkable 240% year-on-year increase during the last two weeks of November 2025. Popular destinations such as Seoul, Jeju Island, and Busan have become prime spots for travelers. This trend is part of a broader shift in Chinese travel preferences, with many travelers opting for South Korea over Japan in recent months. As a result, South Korea’s tourism sector is poised to reach new heights, capitalizing on the growing demand for its diverse travel offerings.

The rising popularity of South Korea as a travel destination is not limited to Chinese tourists. The country has become an increasingly attractive option for travelers from other parts of Asia as well, particularly Indonesia. With its rich cultural heritage, vibrant cities, and beautiful natural landscapes, South Korea is set to continue benefiting from these trends, driving growth in both tourism and the economy.

Korean Air is reshaping South Korea-China air travel with remarkable passenger growth, driven by expanded routes and South Korea’s visa exemptions for Chinese tourists, fueling a strong tourism recovery.

Looking ahead, the ongoing surge in travel between South Korea and China, coupled with the government’s proactive measures to stimulate tourism, signals a bright future for the country’s tourism sector. As Korean Air and other carriers continue to expand their services, and as more tourists flock to South Korea’s top destinations, the country is well-positioned to remain a key player in the global travel and tourism industry. The introduction of new air routes, combined with favorable visa policies and strong demand from travelers, will help ensure that South Korea maintains its position as one of Asia’s premier travel destinations in the coming years.