Agoda Reports Rising Interest in Solo Travel Among South Korean Travelers

Agoda’s report shows that solo travel among South Koreans is not just rising—it’s diversifying. Interest grew 9% year-on-year, with domestic searches up 7% and international searches up 11%.

Domestic Solo Travel Trends
- Top Destinations: Seoul, Jeju, Busan, Incheon, Gangneung.
- Gangneung: Popular for seaside escapes, lifestyle complexes, and single-serving dining options catering to solo travelers.
- Donghae: Fastest growth (+28%), boosted by its “Solo Traveler-Friendly Business Certification Program”.

International Solo Travel Trends
- Japan: Tokyo, Osaka, and Fukuoka remain favorites—close, safe, and easy to navigate.
- Southeast Asia: Jakarta and Da Nang are rising stars.
- Jakarta: Interest surged 30x, driven by new flight routes, promotional fares, and K-pop concerts (ATEEZ, aespa, EXO, NCT WISH).
- Affordable travel due to the weakening rupiah adds appeal.

Travel Timing
- March was the most popular month for solo trips, followed by January, April, February, and May—spring festivals and mild weather likely fueling demand.

Agoda’s Perspective
Alex Park, Country Director for South Korea, noted: “Nearly one in four respondents plan to travel solo this year.” Agoda aims to support this with 130,000 flight routes, 6 million holiday properties, and 300,000 activities available on its platform.

This trend reflects a cultural shift: South Korea’s traditionally group-oriented travel culture is opening up to independent, flexible, and self-directed journeys.