As the May holidays approach, a recent survey reveals that nearly half of South Koreans plan to take a break, despite the government's decision not to designate May 2 as a temporary holiday. According to a survey released on April 28, 2025, by Lime, a self-research platform of Lotte Members, 44.5% of respondents indicated they would take time off during the May holiday season.
The survey, conducted from April 11 to April 12, targeted 2,000 men and women aged 20 to 60 across the nation, with a sampling error of ±2.19% at a 95% confidence level. Among those surveyed, 36.1% stated they would rest at home, while 21.7% planned to go on trips nearby. Additionally, 13.4% expressed intentions to travel domestically, and 7.8% planned to meet friends. Only 4% of respondents indicated they would travel abroad, suggesting that most people intend to spend their holidays within South Korea.
When it comes to domestic travel, the most preferred destination is Gangwon-do, with 25.8% of respondents choosing the cities of Gangneung and Sokcho. Other popular locations include Jeju Island (13.1%), Yeosu, Tongyeong, and Geoje (10.9%), and Busan (9.6%). For those considering overseas travel, Southeast Asia tops the list at 34.8%, followed by Japan at 27.5% and Europe at 11.6%. Most travelers plan to go with family, parents, or spouses.
The government's decision not to declare May 2 as a temporary holiday has sparked mixed reactions among citizens and business owners. Some business owners view the decision positively, anticipating a rise in domestic consumption. However, many office workers expressed disappointment, having hoped for an extended holiday. This sentiment is echoed by concerns that, regardless of the temporary holiday designation, overseas travel demand continues to grow.
Earlier this year, on January 27, the government had designated a day following the Lunar New Year as a temporary holiday to stimulate domestic demand. However, this effort did not yield the expected results, as the surge in travel was primarily directed towards overseas destinations rather than boosting local consumption. According to the Incheon International Airport Corporation, the average daily number of passengers using the airport surged to approximately 214,110 from January 24 to February 2, 2025, marking a 12.8% increase compared to the same period last year. In January alone, the total number of passengers reached 6,581,937, a 13.0% increase year-on-year.
Despite the increased passenger traffic, domestic sectors such as lodging and restaurants have not benefited from the temporary holiday. The National Statistical Portal (KOSIS) reported a continuous decline in the production index for these businesses, dropping from 123.3 in December to 109.9 in January and further to 103.8 in February. The year-on-year growth rates for these sectors were also negative, recording declines of -3.7% in January and -3.8% in February. The production index for the lodging and restaurant sectors has now decreased for 22 consecutive months, indicating a prolonged economic downturn.
Against this backdrop, some local business owners express optimism about the potential for increased domestic spending as a result of the government's decision to forgo the temporary holiday. One local merchant noted, "If more people stay in the country during the short holiday, it could positively impact local businesses." However, many office workers voiced their disappointment, with one stating, "I was looking forward to a longer break without using vacation days. It's a shame that didn’t happen." Some business owners also pointed out that the competitiveness of local markets is more critical than the presence of a holiday, suggesting that successful businesses will thrive regardless of the holiday schedule.
Experts have weighed in on the implications of not designating May 2 as a holiday, suggesting that merely declaring a temporary holiday may not significantly boost domestic consumption. An economic expert remarked, "Historically, temporary holidays often stimulate overseas spending rather than domestic consumption. We need more sophisticated policies to encourage local spending." They emphasized that while temporary holidays may benefit certain sectors, they can also pose challenges for others, highlighting the need for comprehensive strategies to revitalize the domestic economy.
In the educational sector, there were concerns that if May 2 had been designated as a temporary holiday, it could interfere with midterm exams for middle and high school students. Some schools had already begun to adjust their exam schedules in anticipation of the holiday, with plans to move exams originally scheduled for May 2 to May 1. This potential change raised worries among students about the burden of taking multiple exams in a single day. Fortunately, with the decision not to designate May 2 as a holiday, students can breathe a sigh of relief.
Schools are now taking steps to ensure that students' rights to education are safeguarded, potentially extending exam periods or modifying exam formats to accommodate any necessary changes. The abrupt alteration of exam schedules can lead to confusion and disrupt students' study plans, underscoring the importance of clear communication from educational institutions.
As the May holidays draw near, the landscape of travel and leisure in South Korea appears to be shifting. Despite the lack of a designated temporary holiday, the travel industry is witnessing a surge in both domestic and international travel bookings. The anticipation of a six-day Golden Week holiday, which includes Labor Day on May 1, Children's Day on May 5, and a substitute holiday for Buddha's Birthday on May 6, is driving interest among travelers.
In summary, while the government's decision not to designate May 2 as a temporary holiday has elicited a range of reactions, many South Koreans are still planning to take time off and enjoy the holiday season. Whether at home or abroad, the desire to relax and spend time with loved ones remains strong as the May holidays approach.
