Cherry-blossom travel is shifting from Japan to South Korea. Trip.com Group’s analysis of global spring bloom bookings (March 20–May 3) shows Seoul is now the No. 1 city worldwide by flight reservations — an 83% year-over-year jump that outpaces traditional sakura hotspots like Tokyo (No. 2) and Osaka (No. 4).
Looking at origins, Thailand led the surge with bookings up 122%, followed by Japan (100%) and China (74%). North America also stood out: Canadian bookings soared 165% and U.S. bookings rose 82%, signaling stronger Western interest in Korea’s spring scene. In Europe, visits from German travelers jumped 142% year over year in 2025, prompting Trip.com to promote cherry-blossom routes connecting Seoul, Busan and Jeju to the German market this spring.
Demand is spreading beyond Seoul. Cheongju led inbound growth with a staggering 962% year-over-year increase, followed by Busan (131%) and Jeju (129%). Domestic traveler data also show explosive growth in regional cities — Gunsan jumped 846% and Jinju 370%.
Hong Jong-min, head of Trip.com Korea, said the rise in inbound demand using regional airports and the growing flow of Western travelers are encouraging signs for Korea’s travel industry, and he pledged to continue developing strategies to boost regional tourism.
▶ Seoul flight bookings jump 83% this spring, outpacing Tokyo and Osaka
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