1 in 4 Japanese overseas travelers now chooses Korea

Japanese visitors to Korea reached 2.28 million in January-July - meaning one in four Japanese overseas travelers chose Korea in that period (Yonhap News TV, August 31, 2026). Korea ranked as their top overseas destination, the product of a two-hour flight, a weak-yen era, and the pull of food, shopping and beauty.

But 'one in four' is also a warning for Japanese travelers themselves: on weekends and holidays, Seoul's popular hotels, famous restaurants and hot shows are now a competition with like-minded travelers from home. Practical takeaways: (1) lock in accommodation weeks ahead for holiday-overlapping weekends; (2) book reservation-only restaurants and shows online before departure; (3) to escape the crowds, consider flying direct to Busan or the regions instead of Seoul - the map of Korea travel is widening anyway. There is a reason everyone goes where they go; the traveler's skill is avoiding when they go.