Agoda Reveals South Korean Travelers’ Top Domestic and International Picks for the Chuseok Holiday

With the Chuseok long weekend just a few weeks away, many South Koreans are already scrolling through travel sites, dreaming of where to spend four days of family time and feasting. Agoda, the digital booking platform, crunched the numbers from May through mid‑August 2026 and found a clear pattern: short‑haul overseas trips are still the go‑to, while domestic get‑aways are booming.

Internationally, Japanese cities stole the spotlight. Fukuoka topped the list, its close‑by 1½‑hour flight from Seoul making it an easy‑reach option. Tokyo and Osaka followed, proving that the classic Japan circuit remains irresistible. Beyond Japan, Vietnam showed up strong – Da Nang and Nha Trang rounded out the top five, offering a mix of beachfront relaxation and vibrant city life.

Why the Japanese pull? Aside from proximity, airlines are pitching more seats. Eastar Jet, for example, has widened its Incheon‑Fukuoka service through October 24 and added a Busan‑Fukuoka route from August 29, right in the middle of the Chuseok period. That extra capacity translates into more booking clicks, which Agoda recorded as a 38 % jump in overseas accommodation searches compared with the two weeks before the holiday.

Back home, the story is even more dramatic. Searches for Jeju surged 131 %, cementing its place as the top domestic pick. Busan wasn’t far behind with a 147 % rise, while Seoul saw a modest 64 % lift. The real surprise came from Sokcho, whose search interest exploded by 324 %. The coastal city’s blend of mountains, beaches, lakes and food seems to have captured the imagination of Korean travelers, and the Korea Tourism Organization noted an 8.2 % year‑on‑year increase in tourism spend there during the first half of 2026.

Historic Gyeongju also featured prominently, ranking fifth with a 222 % jump. Its ancient temples and royal tombs continue to draw culture‑hungry visitors, and upcoming KTX and KTX‑Eum rail upgrades slated for September promise even smoother access during the autumn travel rush.

“As Chuseok draws near, we’re seeing a strong tilt toward nearby destinations, both abroad and at home,” said Alex Park, Agoda’s Country Director for South Korea. “Our platform is ready to match that demand with competitive rates on flights, stays and activities, whether you’re heading to Fukuoka or relaxing on Jeju’s shores.”

Travelers looking to lock in a deal can browse more than six million properties, 130 000 flight routes and 300 000 activities on Agoda.com or via the mobile app. The August Mega Sale, running through 31 August, still offers up to 60 % off select hotels, giving early planners a nice cushion before the holiday rush.