Agoda Spotlights Central Asia as Rising Travel Destination for South Korean Travelers

Here’s a detailed breakdown of Agoda’s announcement spotlighting Central Asia as a rising destination for South Korean travelers:

Key Insights
- Trend:
Central Asia is emerging as a major travel hotspot for South Koreans, driven by affordable options, cultural richness, and new flight routes.

- Search Growth:
Agoda reported a 225% increase in searches for Central Asian countries (Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan) between January–October 2025 compared to the same period in 2024

Country Highlights with Growth in Searches
Uzbekistan: +234%
Direct Incheon–Tashkent route by T’way Air; UNESCO sites Samarkand (+127%) & Bukhara (+59%).

Kazakhstan: +295%
Eastar Jet’s Incheon–Almaty route (+348% interest); Shymkent flights by SCAT Airlines (+89%).

Kyrgyzstan: +61%
Adventure tourism: trekking, horseback riding, yurts; Karakol (+127%) & Cholpon-Ata (+83%).

Tajikistan: +43%
Featured on Korean travel documentary World Theme Travel; Dushanbe (+41%).

Why Central Asia Appeals
- Cultural Heritage: Ancient Silk Road hubs, Islamic architecture, UNESCO World Heritage sites.
- Adventure & Nature: Trekking, mountain landscapes, Lake Issyk-Kul.
- Accessibility: Expansion of direct flight routes from South Korea.
- Affordability: Competitive travel costs compared to other destinations.

Agoda’s Perspective
Jay Lee, Regional Director for North Asia at Agoda, emphasized that South Korean travelers are increasingly seeking destinations that combine adventure, culture, and authenticity. Agoda supports this trend by offering access to 6M+ holiday properties, 130K+ flight routes, and 300K+ activities in one platform

✨ This surge shows how Central Asia is transforming from a niche destination into a mainstream choice for South Korean travelers.