Japan Lunar New Year travel: Japan has emerged as the leading international choice for South Koreans searching flights for the 2026 Seollal holiday, with Fukuoka, Osaka and Tokyo topping the list.
Summary: Japan Lunar New Year travel interest surged in 2026 as Japan became the top international destination in flight searches by South Koreans for Seollal, led by Fukuoka, Osaka and Tokyo.
Japan has become the most-searched international destination among South Koreans planning trips for the 2026 Lunar New Year (Seollal), with cities such as Fukuoka, Osaka and Tokyo attracting the largest share of flight searches during the holiday period.
A notable shift in Seollal travel preferences
Data compiled from major travel platforms and booking engines indicate a clear change from past years, when South Korean holidaymakers tended to search primarily for domestic options. For the 2026 Seollal period, more than half of outbound flight searches from South Korea were aimed at destinations in Japan, suggesting growing appetite for brief international getaways.
Why Japan is leading Korean searches
Several practical and cultural factors help explain Japan’s appeal for Seollal travel. Geographic proximity makes Japan an easy option for brief trips, with direct flights from Seoul to many Japanese cities taking roughly 2 to 3 hours. Competitive fares and promotional deals from carriers have also made short international travel more affordable for families and groups during the holiday.
- Proximity and short flight times (typically 2–3 hours from Seoul)
- Strong cultural and culinary attractions that resonate with Korean travelers
- Attractive airline promotions and fare options during the holiday window
- Ease of travel due to frequent direct services between the countries
Top cities drawing Korean interest
Among Japanese destinations, Fukuoka, Osaka and Tokyo stood out as the most searched. Each city offers a combination of culinary appeal, shopping and accessible attractions that suit short holiday itineraries.
Fukuoka is celebrated for its ramen, lively Nakasu nightlife and scenic spots such as Ohori Park and Fukuoka Tower, making it a popular quick-break option. Osaka draws visitors with its bustling shopping districts, Dotonbori entertainment and easy access to Kyoto and Nara. Tokyo continues to attract those seeking a mix of modern city life and traditional sites, from Shibuya’s busy crossings to Asakusa’s temples.
Shorter holiday, bigger overseas demand
Analysts point to the shorter Seollal holiday in 2026 as another factor pushing Koreans toward nearby international options. With fewer days off, travelers are choosing destinations that offer maximum experiences within a condensed timeframe—an advantage Japan’s close proximity provides.
Industry platforms such as Skyscanner and other booking sites reported that Japan’s share of outbound searches has outpaced not only domestic destinations like Jeju but also regional favorites including Taiwan and Hong Kong.
Implications for travelers and the tourism industry
The rising interest in Japan benefits both outbound travel from South Korea and Japan’s inbound tourism sector. In 2025, Japan welcomed millions of South Korean visitors, and continued demand is likely to support more flight services, tailored tour packages and seasonal promotions aimed at Korean holidaymakers.
For travelers planning to visit Japan during Seollal 2026, booking early is advisable as demand for flights and accommodation into these popular cities is expected to remain high.
Why this matters: Shorter holidays and growing appetite for quick international trips are reshaping travel patterns in East Asia. For travel businesses and destination managers, the trend underscores the value of competitive pricing, frequent direct services and culturally targeted offerings to capture holiday demand.
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