Chinese media Global Times reported on the 12th, based on reports from multiple South Korean media outlets, that "the Chinese travel market in South Korea is experiencing a boom, boosted by China's visa exemption policy." Among them, cities such as Shanghai, Qingdao, and Beijing are gaining popularity.

According to data from the South Korean Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport's aviation information portal cited in the article, the number of air passengers between South Korea and China from January to July this year reached a cumulative total of 11,486,000, a 22.2% increase compared to the same period last year.

According to analysis by South Korean media, China's implementation of a visa exemption policy for South Korean ordinary passport holders starting in November 2024 has significantly lowered the barrier to travel. Furthermore, with the rising costs of long-distance travel due to factors such as increasing fuel surcharges on long-haul routes, Chinese cities, which can be reached by a flight of only about two hours, are attracting attention as cost-effective travel destinations.

A trend towards younger passengers is observed on routes between South Korea and China. At Jeju Air, among the cumulative 427,000 passengers on these routes from January to July this year, the 20-39 age group accounted for the largest share at 37.1% (158,500 people). The load factor for the Incheon-Qingdao route, which has many young passengers, reached 93.5%, the Jeju-Beijing Daxing route was 89.7%, and the Busan-Shanghai Pudong route was 89%.

Furthermore, there is a change occurring in the travel style of South Koreans visiting China. Previously, group tours and business trips were the main focus, but now there is a gradual shift towards independent travel by individuals and small groups. Among young South Koreans, many search for gourmet food, night views, and popular city spots via SNS and plan their own travel itineraries. (Translation/Editing by Noyani)