Seoul, July 13 (V7N)- South Koreans are flocking to Japan in unprecedented numbers, attracted by a favorable exchange rate and improved diplomatic relations that have once again made the country a desirable destination.
 
"I was thrilled because everything was so affordable," said a woman from Seoul, reminiscing about her spring trip to Japan this year. "Daily necessities for children were much cheaper than in South Korea. I bought everything I could carry."
 
The woman, in her 40s and employed by a major conglomerate, visited the Kansai region, known for cities like Osaka and Kyoto.
 
"The food was fantastic, and I had a great time," she added. "I would go back without hesitation."
 
According to the Japan National Tourism Organization, a record 3.73 million South Korean tourists visited Japan in the first five months of this year, marking a 1.4-fold increase from the same period last year.
 
In May alone, about 730,000 South Koreans visited Japan, setting a new record for that month. This trend has surpassed the previous year's figures every month since February 2022.
 
Despite historical tensions that led to strained bilateral relations, Japan has traditionally been the top choice for South Korean travelers. However, tourism suffered during periods of diplomatic conflict, including the "No Japan" movement in South Korea in 2019.
 
The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 further disrupted travel between the two countries, with border closures and grounded flights halting tourism. Since the resumption of flight services, tourist traffic has rebounded significantly.
 
From January to May this year, air travelers made 10.2 million trips between South Korea and Japan, a 46% increase compared to the previous year and a record high for the period. This surpassed the 5.08 million trips between South Korea and China during the same period.
 
Hyundai Card, South Korea's leading credit card company, has partnered with Japanese firms such as Rakuten Group and Bic Camera. Last year, approximately 500,000 Hyundai Card holders visited Japan, seven times more than in 2021, reflecting a growing interest among travelers.
 
"We are expanding partnerships to promote the benefits of Hyundai Card for travel to Japan," a company representative stated.
 
While Japan's current affordability makes it an attractive destination, future costs may fluctuate depending on exchange rates and inflation. Recently, chartered flights resumed between Japan's Toyama Airport and South Korea, catering to group travelers eager to explore tourist spots like the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route in Toyama Prefecture.
 
News source Nikkei Asia.....
 
END/VWD/SMA/