Agoda Reveals Top Overseas Destinations for South Korean Travelers in 2025

International

Short-haul travel dominates as Japan leads the rankings, with Vietnam gaining strong momentum

International travel from South Korea continued its robust recovery in 2025, supported by rising demand and increased air connectivity. According to data from the Korea Tourism Organization and the Incheon International Airport Corporation, a total of 24.3 million South Koreans traveled abroad between January and October 2025, while international flight operations reached nearly 350,000 movements—both figures representing a year-on-year increase of 3.2 percent.

This upward trend is mirrored in insights from digital travel platform Agoda. Based on the company’s data, interest in overseas travel among South Korean users rose by 15 percent in 2025 compared to the previous year, underscoring the strong rebound in outbound tourism.

Japan dominates destination rankings

Against this backdrop, Agoda has published its ranking of the top 10 international destinations for South Korean travelers in 2025, based on accommodation search data. Japan claimed the top three positions, with Tokyo ranked first, followed by Fukuoka and Osaka, reaffirming the country’s enduring popularity. According to the Japan National Tourism Organization, 7.66 million South Koreans visited Japan between January and October 2025, marking a 6.4 percent increase year-on-year.

Completing the top ten were Nha Trang, Da Nang and Phu Quoc in Vietnam, Bali in Indonesia, Bangkok in Thailand, Sapporo in Japan and Taipei in Taiwan. The list highlights a clear preference for short-haul destinations that combine accessibility with leisure and cultural appeal.

Vietnam emerges as a standout growth market

Vietnam recorded particularly strong gains throughout the year, with several destinations featuring prominently in the ranking. Phu Quoc showed the highest year-on-year growth in travel interest at 63 percent, rising six places to enter the top 10 in 2025. Often referred to as the “Maldives of Vietnam,” the island benefits from visa-free entry for up to 30 days for all international travelers, alongside beaches such as Sao Beach and Kem Beach and eco-tourism attractions including Phu Quoc National Park.

Outlook points to sustained overseas focus

Looking ahead, the appetite for international travel is expected to remain strong. According to Agoda’s 2026 Travel Outlook Report, 39 percent of South Korean travelers plan to travel primarily overseas this year—15 percentage points higher than the Asia regional average.

“Despite the elevated exchange rate, South Korean travelers continue to demonstrate strong demand for international exploration, and we expect this momentum to carry throughout the year,” said Jay Lee, Regional Director, North Asia at Agoda. He noted sustained interest in both established Japanese cities and fast-rising destinations in Vietnam, reflecting a balance between cultural discovery and relaxation.

Agoda supports this demand with access to more than six million holiday properties, over 130,000 flight routes and upwards of 300,000 activities worldwide, all bookable within a single platform via its mobile app and website.