Golden Week 2026: Why More Japanese and Chinese Tourists are Choosing Daegu Over Seoul

Translation result

With Japan’s Golden Week (April 29–May 6) colliding with China’s Labor Day holiday (May 1–5), interest in travel to South Korea surged, and regional destinations were buzzing.

Daegu is seizing that visitor uptick to reposition itself as a stay-and-experience hotspot, aiming for sustained growth in tourism.

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism estimates roughly 80,000–90,000 Japanese and 100,000–110,000 Chinese traveled to South Korea over the holiday period.

Encouragingly, travelers didn’t stick to Seoul — more are exploring regional spots like Daegu and North Gyeongsang Province.

On May 5, global travel platform Trip.com said its Golden Week analysis shows demand spreading beyond major cities, with a clear shift toward regional and decentralized travel.

Trip.com’s data show international bookings to South Korea from May 1–5 rose 36% year over year. China accounted for the largest share, followed by Japan, Vietnam, Singapore and Thailand.

Hotel booking data show especially strong gains in regional destinations: Pohang (North Gyeongsang) up 180%, Daegu up 167%, and Andong up 135% — underscoring growing interest in area-based travel.

A tourism industry official said repeat visitors tend to prefer independent trips over package tours and are increasingly choosing regional destinations instead of Seoul. The official added that Daegu’s popularity is rising as a hub linked to nearby North Gyeongsang’s major attractions.