On July 29, 2026, Korean media Seoul Economic Daily reported, 'Although demand for travel to Japan during the summer vacation season is surging, people who had planned trips are now troubled due to the earthquake in Kumamoto and severe heatwaves across various parts of Honshu.'

According to the financial industry, the amount of yen sold (yen sold by banks to customers in exchange for won) by Korea's top 5 banks from July 1-27 was 31.5 billion yen, which was the highest level in 19 months since December 2024 (32.2 billion yen). The cumulative sales for this year currently stand at 178.3 billion yen, already reaching 68% of last year's annual total (263.7 billion yen). The won-yen exchange rate fell to the 800 won per 100 yen level for the first time in about two years, and the progression of the weak yen is said to be the background.

According to the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), the number of South Koreans who visited Japan in the first half of this year was 5,675,100, an 18.6% increase compared to the same period last year. This increase occurred while the total number of foreign visitors to Japan decreased by 2.0%, meaning more than one in four (26.9%) foreign visitors to Japan were South Koreans. In June alone, 787,100 South Koreans visited Japan.

However, on the afternoon of July 28, an earthquake with a magnitude of 7.1 and seismic intensity of 7 occurred in Kumamoto Prefecture. The article detailed the damage situation and the impact on infrastructure and transportation. Kumamoto is said to be a popular spot among South Korean tourists as a staple of Kyushu-Fukuoka sightseeing tours visiting hot springs and historical sites.

Furthermore, regarding the nationwide heatwave, it reported things like: '10,857 people were transported to hospitals due to heatstroke during the week of July 13-19, and 14 of them died,' 'On the 22nd, 40.6°C was recorded in Kuwana City, Mie Prefecture,' and 'Temperatures are expected to remain above average until September.'

The article called for 'points to review travel plans,' stating: 'In southern Kyushu and around Kumamoto, confirm the situation of aftershocks and the restoration of lifelines such as water outages and power outages before traveling,' and 'In areas with a lot of walking, such as Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto, the heatwave poses a greater risk than earthquakes, so take measures such as avoiding outdoor sightseeing during the day and shortening travel distances.'

In response to this article, South Korean netizens commented: 'Earthquake and heatwave. It's like we're being told not to go,' 'Troubled? Is it necessary to risk your life to go?' 'People who plan to go in such a situation are surely being irresponsible,' and 'At least postpone it for a few weeks, a few weeks would be better,' and other voices calling for a review of travel plans.

On the other hand, comments such as: 'Adventure is one of the themes of travel, after all,' 'Just go without worrying,' and 'Go ahead. However, if anything happens, it's your own responsibility,' were seen, as well as comments like: 'People who ask on the internet, 'Is it okay to go to Japan?' have already decided to go themselves, but they want someone to give them a push,' and 'And then, if something happens, will they blame others?' (Translated and edited by Asa-e)