Airlines Expand Flights Due to Record-Breaking Travel Between South Korea and Japan

The number of tourists visiting Japan has surged significantly due to the weak yen, prompting domestic airlines to increase flights. This sharp increase in passenger numbers is interpreted by the aviation industry as a direct result of the ongoing weak yen since last year, which has made travel to Japan more affordable for foreign tourists.

According to aviation statistics from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport on June 21, the number of air passengers on the Korea-Japan route from January to May this year was 10,156,796 (combined departures and arrivals). This represents a 46.2% increase compared to the same period last year, which saw 6,945,507 passengers. This figure not only surpasses the 10 million mark but also sets a new record for the January to May period since aviation statistics began being provided in 2009. Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of passengers from January to May 2019 was lower at 9,386,783.

The number of air passengers traveling between Korea and Japan from January to May this year has also outpaced other short-haul routes, such as China, which recorded 5,072,554 passengers—nearly half of the Korea-Japan route figure. In response to this significant travel demand, domestic airlines have increased the number of flights on the Japan route, accelerating the growth rate. The number of flights on the Japan route increased by 37.5% from 39,980 flights from January to May last year to 54,973 flights this year.

During the same period, the most frequented Japan routes were Incheon-Narita (1,940,818 passengers), Incheon-Kansai (1,872,442 passengers), and Incheon-Fukuoka (1,381,387 passengers). An aviation industry official stated, “Last year, Korea recorded the highest number of foreign tourists visiting Japan with 6,960,000,” adding, “With the weak yen phenomenon continuing this year, the number of Korean tourists visiting Japan is expected to increase even more.”

The weak yen has made travel and expenses in Japan relatively cheaper for foreign tourists, significantly influencing the surge in tourism from Korea to Japan. Historically, Korea and Japan have been popular travel destinations for each other’s citizens, with proximity and cultural ties fostering a robust travel exchange. The COVID-19 pandemic had a profound impact on international travel, with severe restrictions and a dramatic drop in passenger numbers. Comparing current statistics to pre-pandemic levels, such as January to May 2019, highlights the recovery and growth in travel between Korea and Japan.

The aviation industry has responded to changes in travel demand by adjusting flight frequencies and routes. The increase in flights on the Korea-Japan route by 37.5% indicates a strategic response by airlines to capitalize on the heightened demand. Understanding tourism statistics, such as the number of foreign tourists visiting Japan and specific popular routes, provides insight into travel patterns and preferences. This data helps contextualize the record-breaking passenger numbers.

Korea and Japan share significant cultural and social ties, including historical exchanges, shared cultural practices, and mutual interest in each other’s entertainment industries. These ties often drive tourism and travel between the two nations. Official statistics and reports from bodies like the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport provide authoritative data on travel trends, crucial for understanding the scale and significance of the increase in passenger numbers.