#South Korea #Seoul #Asmark #Korean Travel #Asian Destinations

Exploring Overseas Travel Preferences Among Koreans

In a detailed study conducted by Asmark Inc., a marketing research company, the travel preferences of Koreans aged 20 to 50 have been thoroughly analyzed. The survey, conducted from March 24 to April 4, 2025, examined various factors influencing overseas travel, including popular destinations, travel frequency, and perceptions before and after visiting.

Overview of Findings

Amidst the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, the preference for overseas travel among Koreans is increasingly clear. Approximately 90% of those surveyed expressed a favorable inclination toward Asian destinations. This figure sheds light on the geographical and emotional ties that play a significant role in travel planning.

The data also highlighted a notable trend: many travelers had taken multiple trips abroad, with 70% of respondents indicating they had traveled overseas 2-3 times within the last two years. This reflects a growing confidence in international travel that might have been stifled during the pandemic.

Travel Companions and Types

When it comes to who accompanies Koreans on their overseas adventures, family trips emerged as the predominant choice. About 65% of respondents reported traveling with family, underscoring a cultural inclination towards shared experiences during travel. Interestingly, younger males in their 20s and 30s often preferred to travel solo, which could be attributed to different life stages and familial statuses.

Destinations of Choice

The survey results illustrated a significant preference for Asian countries over others. The overwhelming popularity of Asia came with a stark comparison—Asian destinations outshone Europe by over 60 points in preference. Factors such as proximity, ease of access, and desired cultural experiences contribute to this trend, allowing more individuals to explore nearby countries at their convenience.

Impressions Before and After Travel

A fascinating aspect of the research involved contrasting impressions of countries before and after travel. Before embarking on their overseas trips, respondents had strong expectations regarding cuisine, scenery, and local hospitality, often rating these elements highly. Post-trip evaluations indicated satisfaction, as the initial impressions held true. No notable declines were observed in the ratings for food quality, the beauty of landscapes, or dining options after the trip. Factors such as climate comfort saw a rise in positive responses, indicating that travelers felt the experiences exceeded their expectations.

Summary of Key Insights

In conclusion, the preferences of Korean travelers reflect both a strong affinity for nearby Asian destinations and a trend towards family-oriented travel. The data from Asmark illuminates the post-pandemic recovery of international travel desires, as Koreans show growing enthusiasm for exploring regions not far from home—where cultural, culinary, and scenic wonders await.

For anyone interested in delving deeper into this research or understanding the changing landscape of travel post-COVID, Asmark provides comprehensive insights and downloadable reports on their findings. The future of travel for Koreans appears vibrant, leaning heavily towards the enchanting allure of Asia, setting the stage for ongoing growth in this sector as the world transitions back to travel normalcy.