South Korea Travel, July 2, 2026. Korean media Asia Economy reported that 'as the yen depreciation has progressed to a level not seen in about 40 years, the number of Japanese people traveling overseas during the summer vacation season is expected to decrease significantly.'

According to Japanese media reports, JTB predicts that the number of Japanese people planning overseas travel between the 15th of this month and the end of next month will be 2.17 million, an 8.8% decrease compared to the same period last year.

The decrease in overseas travel is believed to be due to the yen exchange rate falling to the 162 yen range against the dollar, recording its lowest value since December 1986. Furthermore, it is analyzed that the rise in fuel surcharges by major airlines such as Japan Airlines (JAL) and All Nippon Airways (ANA) due to the situation in the Middle East is also a contributing factor.

The average cost of overseas travel per person was expected to be 323,000 yen, a 6.3% increase from the same period last year. Popular summer vacation destinations with relatively cheaper airfares were nearby South Korea (26.2%) and Taiwan (16.2%).

Regarding this article, comments from Korean netizens included: 'Why come to Korea when it's not even interesting? Japan is much more fun,' 'There aren't many sights to see, and you just get ripped off,' and 'Korea and Japan are similar in many ways, but Japan is more refined and cleaner. Why bother coming to a "Little Japan" that's 2% lacking?'

Additionally, many comments such as 'This isn't the time to worry about other countries. Can't you see the reality that the won's value is falling even more?' 'And yet, the won has become the least valuable currency in the world,' and 'Given the high prices and weak won, the reporter should be worrying about Korea' were seen. (Translated/Edited by Asae)