Japan has been named the top travel destination for South Koreans in 2025, according to a survey conducted by the local booking platform Yeogi Eottae.
The survey, which collected responses from 443 users of the customer experience management platform Data Space, revealed that 36.3% of participants selected Japan as their preferred destination for travel this year.
Europe ranked as the second most popular choice, garnering 24.7% of the votes, while Vietnam secured third place with 21.5% of respondents choosing the Southeast Asian nation.
The survey also explored the reasons behind these choices. Among respondents, 49.2% expressed disappointment over not being able to travel last year, making travel a top priority for 2025. Meanwhile, 34.9% chose destinations where they had good memories, and 15.1% were influenced by recommendations from others.
Japan’s close proximity, cultural appeal, and variety of experiences make it an attractive option for South Korean travelers. Additionally, the lifting of pandemic-related travel restrictions has spurred a renewed enthusiasm for exploring international destinations.
With Japan at the top of the list, travel experts anticipate a busy year for tourism between the two countries, further strengthening cultural and economic ties.