South Korea’s tourism sector surged in 2025, propelled by a flood of Chinese visitors and Korean Air’s aggressive capacity growth, transforming the country into East Asia’s premier destination.
Airlines ramped up China routes, with Korean Air projecting over 16m passengers, many from the mainland, boosting hotel occupancy in Seoul and Jeju. This influx revitalised hospitality, with bookings climbing amid cultural draws like K-pop events and historic sites. Trade partners noted opportunities for travel agents in bundled packages, as the airline’s fleet upgrades promise seamless connectivity.
The boom signals robust recovery, though seasonal peaks demand agile booking strategies for wholesalers targeting Asia-Pacific leisure flows.
