Why South Koreans Prefer Overseas Adventures Over Local Getaways

South Koreans Show Lower Satisfaction with Domestic Tourism Compared to International Travel, Survey Reveals

A recent survey conducted by the Federation of Korean Industries has found that South Koreans generally express less satisfaction with domestic tourism than with trips abroad. The primary reason for this difference is the high prices at local tourist attractions.

The results, released on Tuesday, indicate that domestic tourism received an average score of 8.3 out of 10, compared to 8.7 points for international travel.

The study collected responses from 1,000 adults who had experienced both domestic and international trips within the past three years.

When asked about their dissatisfaction with domestic tourism, 45.1 percent of respondents pointed to high prices at tourist spots, while 19.4 percent cited a lack of unique local attractions.

Participants evaluated both domestic and international tourism across 11 categories: accessibility, amenities, food, accommodations, historic and cultural resources, experiential tourism programs, regional festivals and events, recreational facilities, sports and leisure activities, shopping, and scenery.

Domestic travel only outperformed international travel in three accessibility-related areas: accessibility, amenities, and food. In all other categories, travelers preferred overseas destinations.

Interestingly, despite the overall lower satisfaction with domestic trips, 39 percent of respondents expressed a willingness to travel within the country, slightly exceeding the 38.4 percent who were open to international travel. This inclination is largely due to the lower time and financial investments required for domestic trips, minimal preparation, and lack of language barriers.

The survey also found that more respondents planned to travel domestically this year compared to abroad—87.6 percent versus 60.4 percent. However, there is a significant spending disparity, with travelers allocating nearly four times as much for international trips as for domestic ones—1.98 million won ($1,485) compared to 543,000 won ($407).