As Korea’s travel industry shakes off the doldrums of a lackluster summer, a new surge in travel demand is emerging—fueled by what’s being called an “unprecedented golden holiday” during this year’s Chuseok. According to reports published on August 21, 2025, the travel sector is witnessing a remarkable rebound, with both overseas and domestic bookings climbing sharply as the autumn holiday approaches. The turnaround comes after a summer marked by heatwaves and earthquake rumors that left many would-be travelers hesitant to book trips, especially to destinations like Japan.
Industry insiders, speaking to 경상매일신문 and 뉴스1, describe a stark contrast between the sluggish summer season and the current booking frenzy. Major travel agencies, including Hana Tour and Kyowon Tour, report that reservations for the Chuseok holiday have more than made up for the summer slowdown. The numbers tell the story: in July, Modetour’s outbound travelers dropped by 36.1% year-on-year to 96,786, while Kyowon Tour and Yellow Balloon saw their August bookings fall by 19.5% and 2%, respectively. Even airline ticketing through platforms like Nolin Interpark dipped slightly.
But as the Chuseok holiday nears—spanning from October 3 (National Foundation Day) through the 6th to 8th (Chuseok proper), and capped by Hangul Day on October 9—travelers are seizing the opportunity for an extended break. With a little creative use of vacation days, some can enjoy up to ten consecutive days off, making this one of the longest holiday windows in recent memory.
The impact is visible in travel agency data. Hana Tour reports that, for the Chuseok period (October 3-9), bookings to Southeast Asia account for 38.5% of their total, Japan 21.4%, China 19.8%, and Europe 10.4%. Demand for departures on October 3 and 4 is more than double that of a typical weekday. Kyowon Tour has seen a 34.5% year-on-year increase in overseas travel bookings for Chuseok. Meanwhile, Skyscanner’s search data reveals that six out of the top ten most popular destinations are within a three-hour flight, with searches for Fukuoka, Japan skyrocketing by 259%.
Such numbers have caught the attention of Korea’s financial sector, which is always keen to track travel industry performance. Securities analysts are now pinning hopes for a fourth-quarter rebound on this holiday-driven surge. Hana Securities noted, “Hana Tour’s third-quarter results may be somewhat sluggish due to dampened demand for Japan, but thanks to the golden holiday effect, annual operating profits are expected to reach around 60 billion won.” Hyundai Motor Securities echoed this optimism, stating, “A rebound in the third quarter may be difficult, but record-breaking quarterly results are possible in the fourth quarter.”
It’s not just overseas travel that’s booming. Domestic travel has seen a parallel explosion in demand. Accommodation platform Nol Universe reported that pension bookings for October 3-9 are more than ten times higher than last year. Popular options like pool villas, ocean-view properties, and private pensions are selling out over 20% faster than standard pensions. In Seoul, hotels in the Gangnam area are seeing average occupancy rates around 50%—driven by domestic travelers—while the northern districts and Mapo, popular among foreigners, are exceeding 90% occupancy for October 3 and 4. On Jeju Island, the overlap with Chinese holidays has sent occupancy in China-favored hotels soaring above 80%.
Kyowon Tour’s domestic travel bookings have leapt by 144% compared to the previous year. A company spokesperson explained, “With airfares soaring during the holiday, many travelers are choosing domestic trips as a more affordable option.”
Behind these numbers lies a broader story about shifting travel habits and market resilience. The summer’s tepid demand was blamed on several factors: relentless heatwaves, widespread rumors of a major earthquake in Japan, and general economic uncertainty. Short-haul destinations, especially Japan, suffered as a result. Yet, the promise of an extended autumn break has reignited wanderlust, with families and solo travelers alike eager to make up for lost time.
Interestingly, the surge in bookings isn’t confined to international getaways. Domestic tourism is experiencing what some hoteliers call a “full occupancy alert.” From pensions to city hotels, the rush is on to secure accommodations. The trend is especially pronounced for unique or upscale lodgings—think pool villas and oceanfront properties—which are disappearing from booking sites at record speed. Even in Seoul, where hotel occupancy often lags during holidays, the numbers are climbing. Gangnam’s hotels are filling up with domestic guests, while the northern districts and Mapo are awash with international visitors.
Jeju Island, a perennial favorite, is also reaping the benefits. The island’s hotels—particularly those catering to Chinese tourists—are boasting occupancy rates above 80%, thanks in part to the overlap with Chinese holiday schedules.
Travel companies and financial analysts are cautiously optimistic. While some warn that the summer’s weak performance may still drag on third-quarter results, most agree that the Chuseok holiday is a much-needed shot in the arm. As one Hana Securities analyst put it, “The golden holiday effect is real, and we expect it to drive annual profits to impressive levels.”
The travel boom is also influencing broader consumer trends. According to Kyowon Tour, the spike in domestic bookings reflects not just pent-up demand but also a pragmatic response to rising airfare costs. “Many travelers are opting for domestic trips because the cost is relatively lower,” said a company representative.
As the holiday approaches, the scramble for flights, hotels, and pensions is intensifying. For those who haven’t booked yet, options are dwindling fast—especially for the most sought-after dates and destinations. The travel industry, once battered by unpredictable summers and global uncertainties, is finding new momentum in the rhythms of Korea’s traditional holidays.
With the Chuseok golden holiday just around the corner, travel agencies, hoteliers, and would-be vacationers are all watching closely. If current trends hold, this autumn could mark a turning point for Korea’s travel sector—one that not only makes up for a disappointing summer but also sets the stage for a record-breaking end to the year.
