Agoda Reveals South Korean Family Travel Trends for the Year-End Holiday Season

- Phu Quoc, Fukuoka, Osaka, Nha Trang, Tokyo, Da Nang, Okinawa, Cebu, Sapporo and Chiang Mai topped international searches, while Jeju, Busan, Gyeongju, Sokcho, Incheon, Gangneung, Yeosu, Pyeongchang and Jeongseon led domestic destinations

SEOUL, South Korea, Oct. 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- As the year-end holiday season approaches, families are beginning to plan getaways to make the most of the winter break. Reflecting this seasonal travel demand, digital travel platform Agoda has unveiled its latest insights on the international and domestic destinations drawing the most interest from families traveling with children.

Families look to Japan and Vietnam for end-of-year escapes

Agoda's data reveals that South Korean families are most interested in exploring destinations in nearby Japan and Southeast Asia – particularly Vietnam – during the winter months, according to accommodation searches made on Agoda by South Korean travelers with at least one child for check-ins between November 2026 and January 2027. Phu Quoc (Vietnam) emerged as the top choice for overseas travel this winter season, followed by Fukuoka (Japan) in second place, and Osaka (Japan) in third. Nha Trang (Vietnam), Tokyo (Japan), Da Nang (Vietnam), Okinawa (Japan), Cebu (Philippines), Sapporo (Japan) and Chiang Mai (Thailand) complete the top ten.

Phu Quoc saw accommodation searches rise 33% year on year, moving up four places from last year to claim the top spot. With the dry season beginning in November, the island offers favorable weather for families to enjoy a wide range of activities, from island-hopping tours, snorkeling and parasailing to exploring night markets, theme parks and safaris.

Japanese destinations also continue to be popular among South Korean travelers, with five cities making the top ten international destinations. Fukuoka ranked second, climbing four places from last year, with accommodation searches increasing 61%. Easily accessible from South Korea, Fukuoka is a convenient choice for families traveling with children. The city offers a variety of family-friendly attractions, including LaLaport Fukuoka, one of the largest shopping malls with a game center, the Fukuoka Anpanman Children's Museum and Marine World Uminonakamichi.

Osaka retained its third-place ranking from last year, with accommodation searches increasing 8%. With Trinity Airways set to launch a new daily Incheon–Kobe route from December 18, access to the Kansai region is expected to become even more convenient for South Korean travelers during the upcoming holiday period. The city is also home to a range of attractions for children and families, including Universal Studios Japan, Kids Plaza Osaka, Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan and LEGOLAND Discovery Center Osaka.

Notably, Sapporo made its debut in the top ten this year, ranking ninth with a 46% increase in accommodation searches. Known as a popular winter destination, Sapporo offers families the chance to experience a variety of seasonal activities, from the Sapporo Snow Festival and Sapporo White Illumination to relaxing hot springs.

Beyond Japan and Vietnam, Thailand's Chiang Mai also saw increased travel interest from South Korean families, with accommodation searches climbing 47%, earning the city its first appearance in the top ten this year. With warm weather year-round, the city offers an appealing getaway for families looking to escape the winter cold, with attractions such as Chiang Mai Night Safari, Grand Canyon Water Park and Lenmaii Playground & Cafe providing plenty of options for children. The destination is also set to become more accessible from South Korea, with Air Busan launching a new Busan–Chiang Mai route on November 11, which could further boost travel demand during the year-end holiday season.

Closer to home, families find fresh winter adventures in well-loved locales

Turning to domestic travel, Jeju ranked first, followed by Seoul, and Busan in the top three. Gyeongju, Sokcho, Incheon, Gangneung, Yeosu, Pyeongchang and Jeongseon round off the top ten.

Retaining the top spot for the second consecutive year, Jeju saw accommodation searches increase 8% year on year. The island offers a wide range of family-friendly experiences that bring children closer to nature and animals, from meeting animals at Flower Bird Park and Dochidol Ranch to dolphin tours and horseback riding. Families can also enjoy child-focused attractions such as Arte Kids Park, Snoopy Garden and Pororo & Tayo Theme Park Jeju, making Jeju a versatile destination for a family getaway.

Notably, Jeongseon entered the top ten for the first time this year, with accommodation searches rising 110%. Emerging as a new winter destination for families, Jeongseon offers snow-covered mountain scenery and hearty local cuisine, making it an appealing choice for a winter retreat. Visitors can take in panoramic snowy views at Manhangjae, while the Jeongseon Arirang Market provides an opportunity to experience the region's local flavors and culture.

Alex Park, Country Director, South Korea at Agoda shared, "As families look ahead to the year-end holiday season, we're seeing growing interest in destinations that offer something for every member of the family. From tropical escapes like Phu Quoc and Chiang Mai to winter destinations such as Sapporo and Jeongseon, this year's travel trends highlight the many unique ways families are looking to make the most of their time together. At Agoda, we're pleased to help families discover and plan trips that suit their interests and create memorable experiences for travelers of all ages."

For families planning to travel with children, Agoda offers over 6 million holiday properties, more than 130,000 flight routes, and over 300,000 activities, all of which can be combined in a single booking. Visit the website at www.Agoda.com or download the mobile app for the best deals.

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SOURCE Agoda