South Korea Becomes the Preferred Destination for Chinese Travelers During New Year Holiday with Visa-Free Policies and Expanding Flight Networks Driving Record Tourism Growth

Published on January 8, 2026

South Korea has emerged as the top choice for Chinese travelers during the New Year holiday, overtaking Japan and signaling a shift in regional tourism trends. The growing preference for South Korea reflects a combination of convenient travel, cost-effective options, and cultural familiarity, making the country increasingly appealing to Chinese tourists.

Data from leading travel platforms shows that the top ten destinations for Chinese outbound travelers over the holiday period were all in Asia, with Seoul ranking first. Japan, which has long been a favored destination, dropped behind, highlighting a significant change in travel patterns across the region.

Analysis of hotel booking trends indicates that Hong Kong, Bangkok, Macao, and Seoul were the most popular locations at the start of the holiday. Other destinations drawing significant attention included Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, and multiple cities in South Korea. Hotel reservations in Seoul surged more than threefold compared to the same period last year, making it one of the fastest-growing destinations for Chinese tourists.

Visa arrangements have played a critical role in this development. South Korea offers visa-free entry to Chinese group travelers, while China has adopted reciprocal measures for South Korean visitors. These simplified travel procedures have reduced administrative barriers and encouraged an increase in both short-term and extended trips between the two countries. The convenience of crossing borders without lengthy visa processes has contributed to the rapid rise in tourism activity.

Japan’s relative decline in popularity appears linked to geopolitical sensitivities and travel advisories issued in recent months. In response, airlines introduced flexible refund and ticket change policies for flights between China and Japan. These measures, while accommodating travelers, also reflect the broader impact of policy and sentiment on tourism flows within the region.

Air traffic statistics further illustrate South Korea’s growing appeal. During the first week of 2026, Seoul led all international destinations from China in weekly flight volume, recording over 1,000 flights. Thailand ranked second with 862 flights, while Japan was third with 736. China–South Korea flight routes have experienced consistent weekly growth for several consecutive weeks, reaching nearly full pre-pandemic capacity and demonstrating the fastest recovery among major international routes.

Improved connectivity, coupled with relatively affordable travel options, has strengthened demand for South Korea. Between January and November 2025, the country welcomed over 17 million international visitors, a 15.4 percent increase from the previous year, with Chinese tourists comprising nearly 30 percent of the total.

Cultural factors continue to influence travel decisions. Popular Chinese destinations like Zhangjiajie in Hunan and the giant panda Fu Bao in Sichuan have maintained strong appeal among South Korean visitors. Conversely, Chinese cities such as Shanghai are increasingly attracting South Korean tourists interested in urban experiences, shopping, leisure activities, and cultural exploration, reflecting a more diversified travel demand.

Visa-free travel and enhanced flight options are also enabling South Koreans to explore a wider range of Chinese destinations. Coastal cities like Weihai, Yantai, and Qingdao remain popular, but there is growing interest in inland locations, including Yunnan and Chongqing. Airlines have observed a steady rise in passenger numbers, with Shanghai emerging as a key destination for leisure and city tourism.

Short-term trips, particularly weekend getaways, are increasingly popular among South Korean travelers, highlighting the convenience and accessibility of cross-border travel. Both governments are exploring long-term visa-free arrangements, regional tourism cooperation, and modern marketing initiatives to highlight cultural and leisure opportunities, aiming to sustain tourism growth.

The future of bilateral tourism depends on coordinated policies, innovative travel products, and continued improvement in air connectivity. With supportive visa regulations, stronger flight networks, and increasing cultural exchanges, the tourism relationship between China and South Korea is expected to maintain strong momentum well beyond the New Year holiday, shaping travel trends and regional tourism patterns for years to come.