Agoda reveals top short-haul getaways for South Korean travelers

International

Japan and China dominate demand for time-efficient weekend escapes

South Korean travelers are increasingly choosing holidays that maximize experiences while minimizing time away from work. According to digital travel platform Agoda, the growing preference for short, time-efficient breaks is reshaping travel patterns, with nearby destinations in Japan and China emerging as the most popular choices for weekend getaways during the summer season.

Japan remains the favorite destination

Agoda's findings are based on accommodation searches made between January and May 2026 for Friday-to-Sunday stays in late July and early August. Tokyo ranked as the most searched international destination, followed by Fukuoka, Osaka, Shanghai and Nagoya.

The dominance of Japanese cities reflects the continued appeal of destinations that are easily accessible for short breaks. Strong air connectivity, the favorable exchange rate of the Japanese yen, cultural familiarity and a wide range of attractions, from shopping and gastronomy to concerts and entertainment, continue to attract South Korean travelers.

Chinese cities gain momentum

China is also seeing growing demand for short leisure trips from South Korea. Agoda attributes the trend to the country's visa-free entry policy for South Korean passport holders, combined with its close proximity and expanding flight connections.

Shanghai has become one of the fastest-growing destinations, driven in part by the popularity of the Chinese "wanghong" beauty trend among younger travelers. Influencer and celebrity content featuring makeover experiences has further increased interest in the city.

Beyond Shanghai, several coastal destinations are also recording significant growth. Searches for Yantai increased more than sevenfold, supported by expanded flight services and the city's reputation as one of China's leading wine regions. Dalian saw nearly five times more searches, attracting travelers interested in history and cultural heritage, while Qingdao recorded a 10 percent increase in search volume thanks to its combination of coastal attractions and its association with the famous Tsingtao Brewery.

Short breaks fit changing travel habits

Outside the top five destinations, Taipei and Hong Kong also ranked among the most popular choices. Taipei appeals to travelers with its unique mix of urban attractions, mountains and coastline, while Hong Kong continues to attract visitors with its renowned food scene and distinctive cultural atmosphere.

"Agoda's 2026 Travel Outlook Report found that 22% of South Korean respondents plan to take trips lasting just one to three days this year, underscoring a growing preference for short breaks that are easy to fit into busy schedules without using up too much annual leave. Whether it's a weekend escape or a short getaway, Agoda is committed to helping travelers find great deals on accommodations, flights, and activities, enabling them to make the most of every journey," said Alex Park, Country Director, South Korea at Agoda.

Agoda currently offers access to more than 130,000 flight routes, over six million accommodation options and more than 300,000 travel activities, allowing travelers to combine all elements of their trip on a single platform.