"Instead of Japan, Let's Go to Korea": Chinese Tourists Flock In... Travel Demand Surges During Up to 13-Day Golden Holiday

32% of Overseas Travel Planners
Set to Depart During National Day Holiday
Korea Tops Preferred Destinations

With the approach of China's longest holiday, National Day (October 1–7), demand for overseas travel is surging, and a large number of Chinese tourists are also expected to flock to Korea.

On the 29th, ahead of the Chinese National Day holiday, Chinese tourists planning to spend the holiday in Korea are entering through Incheon Port International Passenger Terminal in Yeonsu-gu, Incheon. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

Mass Migration of Chinese Citizens for National Day Holiday

According to China's Ministry of Transport on September 30, the total number of interregional trips by Chinese citizens is forecast to reach 2.13 billion (cumulative, including double counting) from October 1 to 7. This amounts to an average of approximately 300 million people traveling per day.

The heaviest travel volume is expected on the first day of the holiday, with 340 million people on the move. Expressway traffic is also projected to reach 71 million vehicles—1.9 times higher than the daily average in August.

From September 25 to the final day of the holiday, October 7, air passenger numbers are projected to reach 31.9 million. China’s National Immigration Administration estimates the average daily number of cross-border travelers at 2.16 million. In particular, if people take paid leave on September 28–30, individuals can enjoy up to 13 consecutive days off, which is expected to further boost demand for long-distance overseas trips.

On March 19, two days before BTS's comeback performance, Gyeongbokgung Palace in Jongno-gu, Seoul is bustling with citizens and foreign tourists. BTS's comeback performance is scheduled to take place in Gwanghwamun Square in front of Gyeongbokgung Palace on March 21, 2026. Photo by Cho Yongjun

Korea Tops List as Most Preferred Overseas Travel Destination

Indeed, demand for outbound travel in China is rising. According to the “September China Tourism Intentions Report” by the Chinese market research firm Dragon Trail International, 32% of respondents who plan to travel abroad this year said they would depart during the National Day holiday.

Among overseas travel destinations, Korea was ranked highest in preference at 20.1%. This was followed by Singapore (6.6%), Japan (6.0%), Hong Kong (5.9%), and Macau (4.9%).

Korea’s proximity to major Chinese cities and minimal time difference—just one hour—make it an attractive choice for Chinese travelers. Korea is also regarded as relatively safe in terms of public security and has well-developed public transportation and other convenience facilities, further contributing to its appeal as a travel destination.

Previously, the air travel information platform Umetrip released its National Day travel outlook report on September 17. The report projected that both short-haul and long-haul overseas travel demand would increase, identifying the UK, Russia, Korea, and Thailand as popular destinations.

In particular, Seoul ranked as the number one overseas destination with a 50% year-on-year increase in bookings, followed by Hong Kong, Bangkok, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Taipei, London, Moscow, Hanoi, and Macau.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.