South Korea Now Sees Surge in Chinese Tourists as Cruise Lines Skip Japan Ports, Get the Details Here

Published on November 21, 2025

Given new diplomatic tensions between China and Japan, cruise operators from China are making adjustments to their travel itineraries, even skipping Japanese ports altogether. It is the new Japanese Prime Minister’s provocative comments that has, at least at the time of this writing, caused provocatively to issue travel advisories against Japan. By default, other areas are becoming more attractive to the Chinese traveler, and in this case, travel to South Korea is booming. These new travel patterns are creating valuable tourism opportunities and benefits for the South Korea economy.

Tensions Escalate Over Remarks by Japanese Leadership

The diplomatic dispute between China and Japan was triggered by controversial statements made by Japan’s newly appointed Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. In early November, Takaichi stated that Japan could consider military action if China were to attack Taiwan, which Beijing views as a red line. These comments have significantly worsened already strained relations between the two countries, leading to a rise in anti-Japan sentiments within China. In response, Beijing has advised its citizens to avoid non-essential travel to Japan, a move that has caused immediate disruptions in the tourism and cruise industries.

Chinese Cruise Operators Adjust Routes to Avoid Japan

In response to the diplomatic fallout, Chinese cruise lines are modifying their schedules, with several ships now steering clear of Japanese ports. One of the most notable examples is the Adora Magic City, a luxury cruise ship that typically sails to both Japan and South Korea. According to sources and a notice from the Jeju Province government in South Korea, the ship will now bypass Fukuoka, Sasebo, and Nagasaki in favor of spending up to 57 hours at the island of Jeju, an increasingly popular destination for Chinese tourists.

Officials in Jeju suspect the schedule changes are directly related to the diplomatic dispute. “It seems they are drafting a Plan B,” said one local official, who chose to remain anonymous. While Adora Cruises did not officially comment, industry experts believe that more Chinese cruise operators will follow suit, rerouting their vessels to South Korea’s ports, which have become a safer alternative for Chinese tourists.

South Korea Poised to Reap the Benefits

The sudden rerouting of cruise ships to South Korea is expected to provide a significant boost to the South Korean tourism industry, which has long been a popular destination for Chinese travelers. In fact, South Korea has already seen a notable spike in flight bookings from China. According to data from online travel agency Qunar, South Korea was the leading destination for Chinese tourists over the weekend of November 15-16. As Chinese cruise ships avoid Japan, South Korea stands to benefit from the influx of travelers seeking new destinations in East Asia.

Jeju, in particular, is poised to receive a large number of Chinese visitors, as the island is already a popular port of call for Chinese cruises. The longer stays—ranging from 31 to 57 hours—on ships like Adora Magic City will offer tourists more opportunities to explore Jeju’s attractions, boosting local tourism businesses and generating substantial economic benefits.

South Korean Travel Industry Sees Stock Surge

South Korea’s travel industry is already experiencing a positive financial impact from the redirected Chinese tourists. Shares of travel-related companies have surged following the announcement of the diplomatic dispute. Lotte Tour Development which operates a hotel and casino on Jeju Island, has seen its stock price rise by over 20%, while travel agency Yellow Balloon Tour reported a 24% increase in stock value. Even major department store chains like Shinsegae are benefiting, with shares rising 6%, as they anticipate increased consumer spending from Chinese visitors.

Rising Demand for South Korean Tourism Services

As more Chinese cruise operators and airlines avoid Japan, South Korea’s tourism infrastructure is expected to see increased demand. South Korean budget airline Jeju Air has already started preparing for the potential influx of Chinese tourists. An executive from Jeju Air remarked that although there has been no immediate surge in bookings, the airline is anticipating higher demand for travel to South Korea in the coming weeks.

The anticipated boost in tourism is also affecting tour agencies in South Korea. One executive from a South Korean tour agency catering to Chinese travelers reported receiving multiple inquiries about shifting planned events from Japan to South Korea. Although this shift in travel patterns is still in its early stages, industry insiders are confident that South Korea will soon experience a significant influx of Chinese tourists.

The Impact of Previous Disputes on South Korean Tourism

The current situation mirrors a similar event in 2013 when South Korea saw a dramatic rise in Chinese tourist arrivals due to a territorial dispute between China and Japan over a group of islands in the East China Sea. During that period, the number of Chinese tourists visiting South Korea surged by more than 50%. Experts predict that the current diplomatic rift will lead to a similar spike, though it may take some time for the tourism industry to fully adjust and capitalize on the changing travel patterns.

Chinese Tourists Reconsider Travel to Japan

Chinese tourists themselves are increasingly wary of visiting Japan due to the diplomatic tensions. Luna Wang, a 34-year-old from Hangzhou, shared her thoughts on social media, stating that she had planned to travel to Japan but now feels that it is no longer a safe destination. Wang’s sentiments reflect a broader shift in perception within China, where travel to Japan is becoming politically sensitive. Some Chinese citizens even view traveling to Japan as a betrayal of national sentiment, further dampening demand for Japanese tourism.

As a result, South Korea, with its close proximity and warm reception of Chinese tourists, has emerged as the clear alternative. Travel agents and tourism professionals in South Korea are optimistic that this shift will provide long-term benefits to the country’s tourism industry.

The Future of South Korean Tourism: A Waiting Game

While the full impact of the current diplomatic dispute will take time to unfold, it is clear that South Korea is well-positioned to benefit from the re-routing of Chinese tourists. Experts in the South Korean tourism sector believe that it may take some time before the increase in Chinese visitors becomes noticeable, as many travelers are still in the process of adjusting their plans. However, as tensions between China and Japan continue to rise, South Korea is expected to see a substantial and sustained influx of Chinese tourists in the coming months.

A Regional Tourism Shift in the Making

As a consequence of the diplomatic fallout between China and Japan, the tourism industry within that specific region has had a shift within its workings and South Korea has already begun benefitting. With their airlines and cruise lines, the Chinese are avoiding Japan and South Korea has a safe and welcoming environment for their travelers. South Korea has already begun benefitting and this trend is likely to continue as the country has been brought to the forefront as an elite destination for Chinese travelers within the continent.