Number of outbound tourist departures South Korea 2003-2023
In 2023, South Koreans departed for around 20.3 million outbound trips. Most trips in that year were made in the second half of the year.
Outbound tourism on the rise
Prior to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the popularity of traveling abroad had been increasing in line with the increase in income of South Korean nationals. Ever since the country has recovered from the financial crisis of 2008, the number of South Korean outbound trips has been increasing. According to a government survey, outbound travel increased with income.
Preferences
Before the pandemic, the leading destination for South Korean tourists was Japan, though the U.S. and Vietnam are now more popular. Most Koreans chose their travel destination for being well-known and for sightseeing. Around 76.4 percent of surveyed South Koreans chose to purchase travel packages, which were especially interesting to older travelers. Travel packages range from all-inclusive packages to partial packages, whereas the latter is less popular. The total average number of days spent travelling abroad was 4.79 days in 2019.
Outbound tourism on the rise
Prior to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the popularity of traveling abroad had been increasing in line with the increase in income of South Korean nationals. Ever since the country has recovered from the financial crisis of 2008, the number of South Korean outbound trips has been increasing. According to a government survey, outbound travel increased with income.
Preferences
Before the pandemic, the leading destination for South Korean tourists was Japan, though the U.S. and Vietnam are now more popular. Most Koreans chose their travel destination for being well-known and for sightseeing. Around 76.4 percent of surveyed South Koreans chose to purchase travel packages, which were especially interesting to older travelers. Travel packages range from all-inclusive packages to partial packages, whereas the latter is less popular. The total average number of days spent travelling abroad was 4.79 days in 2019.
