Despite Earthquake Concerns, South Korea Sees Surge in Travelers to Japan
Seoul,August 23, 2024 – Despite a 7.1 magnitude earthquake that struck Japan earlier this month, sparking concerns about seismic activity, the number of South Korean travelers to Japan continues to rise. Data released byIncheon International Airport Corporation and Korea Airports Corporation shows that passenger traffic on flights to Japan from South Korea increased by over 20% in the first 20 days of August compared to the same period last year.
The figures highlight the enduring popularity of Japan as a travel destination for South Koreans, even in the face of potential risks. The number of passengers traveling to and from Japan through domesticairports reached 1.385 million in the first 20 days of August, representing a 20.8% year-on-year increase and a 6.3% increase from the previous month.
Thistrend is attributed to several factors, including the resumption of visa-free travel to Japan in October 2022, which has spurred a consistent rise in outbound travel from South Korea. The data reveals that even during the huge earthquake warning period (August 8-15), passenger traffic to Japan fromSouth Korean airports increased by 26.8% year-on-year, reaching 558,000 passengers.
Furthermore, the recent Liberation Day holiday (August 15-18) saw a significant surge in travel to Japan. A total of 269,000 passengers traveled to Japan during this period, a 21.4% increase compared to the same holiday in 2023 (August 12-15). This surge occurred despite the cancellation of numerous flights due to Typhoon Ambi, which hit Japan earlier this month.
Industry experts attributethe sustained growth in travel demand to Japan to the weakening Japanese yen and the availability of low-cost airline tickets. These factors have made Japan an increasingly attractive destination for budget-conscious travelers.
The data suggests that the recent earthquake has not significantly dampened the enthusiasm for travel to Japan among South Koreans. This indicates astrong underlying demand for travel to the country, driven by factors beyond concerns about natural disasters.
The continued growth in travel to Japan from South Korea highlights the resilience of the tourism industry in the face of challenges. It also underscores the strong cultural and economic ties between the two countries, which continue to drive travel demand despite potentialrisks.
Background:
- Japan experienced a 7.1 magnitude earthquake on August 5, 2024, which caused significant damage and triggered tsunami warnings.
- The Japanese government had implemented a huge earthquake warning period from August 8 to 15, advising citizens to takeprecautions.
- South Korea and Japan have a long history of cultural and economic exchange, with tourism playing a significant role in bilateral relations.
- The weakening Japanese yen has made Japan a more affordable destination for South Korean travelers.
Outlook:
- Industry experts predict that travel demand to Japan from South Korea willcontinue to grow in the coming months, driven by the factors mentioned above.
- The continued popularity of Japan as a travel destination for South Koreans suggests that the country is resilient to external shocks and that the underlying demand for travel remains strong.
- The growing number of travelers from South Korea to Japan is a positive signfor the tourism industry in both countries, highlighting the importance of bilateral relations.
【来源】https://cn.yna.co.kr/view/ACK20240823000400881?section=economy/index&input=rss
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