Flights from Korea to Japan nearly full on Independence Movement holiday

Industry

Published: 21 Feb. 2024, 19:12 Updated: 21 Feb. 2024, 19:18

Flights from Korea to Japan nearly full on Independence Movement holiday

Arrival information for flights from Japan is displayed on an electronic board at Incheon International Airport. [NEWS1]

Flights from Korea to Japan are seeing significant demand ahead of the upcoming March 1 Independence Movement holiday, with bookings nearing full capacity despite historical sensitivities.

The fact that the holiday will last for three days this year, since March 1 falls on a Friday, will drive further interest in flights to Japan.

Factors such as the weaker yen, convenient travel times and evolving perspectives, particularly among the younger generation, also contribute to this surge in demand.

Jeju Air, Korea's largest budget carrier, reports reservation rates in the high 80s for its Japan routes, with Incheon-Matsumaya flights more than 90 percent booked from March 1 to 3. Similarly, T'way Air and Jin Air noted reservation rates of between 80 to 90 percent for Japan-bound flights.

Even among domestic full-service carriers like Korean Air and Asiana Airlines, reservation rates for key routes to Japan are surpassing 90 percent, indicating widespread interest in travel to Japan.

Round-trip fares to popular destinations like Tokyo and Osaka, just around two hours away, start as low as 550,000 won ($412), while prices for routes to Fukuoka and Sapporo have risen to 690,000 won and 730,000 won, respectively.

Travel to Japan during March and August has sparked controversy due to historical events like the March 1 Independence Movement and Liberation Day that symbolize Korea's independence from Japanese colonial rule. Celebrities like Ko So-young have been criticized for sharing photos from Japan on the latter day.

Despite those historical sensitivities, Koreans are increasingly choosing Japan for short holidays, driven by factors such as the depreciating yen and the nearby destinations' convenience.

“Traveling to Japan on the Independence Movement holiday feels uneasy, but as an employee, there's hardly any time to spare except for squeezing in a day off on a public holiday,” wrote a user from “Naildong,” Korea's largest online community for Japan trips, who shared plans for a family trip to Osaka on March 1.

“Reservation rates during the Independence Movement holiday are high not only for Japan, but also for short-haul destinations such as Southeast Asia and Taiwan,” according to one industry insider in the travel sector.

Another travel industry source added, “Despite the importance of the Independence Movement holiday, Japan has always remained a popular choice for short getaways, along with other nearby destinations, during short holidays.”

The Jung District Office displayed anti-Japan boycott flags in downtown Seoul as Japan's export restrictions escalated on Aug. 6, 2019. This action sparked controversy, and the flags were ultimately taken down. [NEWS1]

Analysts highlight a changing perception among younger generations in their 20s and 30s, with a growing trend of separating historical and political issues from personal experience. This new attitude stands in contrast with the earlier days of the Japan boycott movement in 2019, when Koreans tended to refrain from sharing photos of trips to Japan.

“I believe there's a clear distinction between mere tourism and historical and political views,” wrote another user on Naildong. “While I strongly oppose Japan's right-wing stance historically and politically, I still consider Japan to be an incredibly appealing country as a travel destination.”

“I don't think it's appropriate to associate history with personal consumption and travel,” said Prof. Lee Eun-hee, a consumer science professor at Inha University. “Instead, it's crucial to learn from history as a lesson for how to wisely navigate the present. I believe there's no need for history to dictate every aspect of our lives.”

BY SEO JI-EUN [seo.jieun1@joongang.co.kr]