With the gradual recovery of global tourism, China is once again a popular destination for tourists from all over the world. According to the latest data, the number of South Korean tourists to China soared by 900% year-on-year in January this year.
Once a stagnant tourist attraction to China's tourism market, South Korean tourists are now flocking to China to explore this ancient and mysterious land of the East. South Korea's Incheon International Airport's Terminal 1 departure hall is bustling with long queues in front of check-in counters heading to China, and South Korean tourists are excitedly looking forward to the upcoming journey.
What causes this phenomenon? First of all, China's rich natural landscapes and long history and culture have always attracted Korean tourists. In recent years, with the deepening of exchanges between China and South Korea, more and more Koreans have developed a strong interest in Chinese culture. In addition, various tourism preferential policies have been introduced in various parts of China, such as visa facilitation and tourism subsidies, which have greatly reduced the travel cost of Korean tourists.
Among the many tourist destinations, Zhangjiajie, Hunan Province, is particularly popular with Korean tourists. There are peculiar stone pillars and magnificent canyons, which seem to be like a paradise. Some Koreans even jokingly said: "Be filial to your parents, send them to Zhangjiajie for a trip." Nowadays, Zhangjiajie is no longer a "silver tour" for the elderly, but is more and more favored by family travel.
In addition to the natural landscape, the cityscape and wellness and leisure programs of China's major cities are also attracting more and more Korean tourists. Shanghai, Qingdao, Yantai and other places have become the new favorites of Korean tourists, who want to experience China's modernization process and enjoy a leisurely vacation.
However, there are deeper reasons behind this phenomenon. In recent years, China-ROK relations have experienced a period of twists and turns, but with joint efforts, the relations between the two countries have gradually warmed up. The increase in South Korean tourists visiting China is undoubtedly the best interpretation of the improvement of relations between the two countries. In addition, as China's standing on the international stage continues to grow, more and more South Koreans want to experience the charm of this great country in the East through first-hand experience.
At the same time, we cannot ignore the economic situation in South Korea. In recent years, South Korea's domestic consumer market has been relatively weak, while the booming Chinese tourism market has provided a good consumer outlet for South Koreans. They shop, eat and enjoy the pleasure of travel.
In short, the 900% increase in the number of South Korean tourists to China is not only a reflection of the charm of China's tourism market, but also a testimony to the improvement of China-South Korea relations. In this context, we have reason to believe that China's tourism market will attract more international tourists in the future and make greater contributions to world cultural exchanges and economic development.
Let us look forward to a more prosperous and open Chinese tourism market to welcome tourists from all over the world and share the charm of the East.