Chinese Tourists Choose This Country for 2026 Lunar New Year Holidays, Japan Left Behind

A wave of tourists from China is expected to flood South Korea (Korea) during the nine-day Lunar New Year holiday in 2026 starting February 15. South Korea has become a destination for Chinese tourists as it's considered safe, affordable, and rich in Cultural Experiences.

According to market researcher China Trading Desk, 230,000-250,000 visitors will arrive in the Land of Ginseng. This marks a 52% surge compared to last year's shorter holiday period. 

This boom contrasts sharply with Japan's situation. Arrivals of Chinese Tourists to the Land of the Rising Sun are projected to plummet 60% versus the previous year's holiday. 

This shift reflects the tangible impact of growing diplomatic friction between Beijing and Tokyo, now actively reshaping regional travel patterns.

South Korea moved swiftly to capitalize on the opportunity. The government eased visa rules for Chinese tour groups. The relatively weak won exchange rate against the yuan further boosts the country's appeal. 

Additionally, the global spread of Korean pop culture has made cities like Seoul, Busan, and Jeju Island top Favorite Destinations.

"The weak won makes Seoul, Busan, and Jeju feel like economical choices for shopping and dining, much like Japan's weak yen trade complicated by politics," China Trading Desk CEO Subramania Bhatt told Japan Today on Thursday, January 29, 2026.

This tourism shift highlights how rapidly geopolitical dynamics can redraw Asia's tourism map, valued at approximately US$500 billion. 

China first issued travel warnings to Japan in November following controversial Taiwan remarks by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.

The warnings were reinforced last Monday when Chinese state media highlighted serious safety risks during the holiday season. 

Security concerns also influenced Chinese tourists' decisions about Thailand after a Chinese actor's kidnapping case and bloody border clashes with Cambodia triggered trip cancellations.

Seoul seized the momentum by extending visa-free entry for Chinese tour groups through June. 

Airlines adjusted capacity accordingly. Cirium data shows mainland China-South Korea flights surged nearly 25% to over 1,330 during the Lunar New Year period.

Conversely, scheduled flights from China to Japan plunged 48% to just over 800.

For young travelers like Lisa Zhang, a 20-year-old student from Guangxi, this choice felt logical. 

She initially planned to ski in Japan but opted instead for her first five-day trip to South Korea. 

"My parents would worry if I vacationed in Japan. Anti-China sentiment there seems relatively strong now, and they'd fear for my personal safety," she explained.

This trend is expected to persist throughout 2026. Yanolja Research projects over 7 million mainland Chinese tourists will visit South Korea this year, a 15% year-on-year increase. 

Amid geopolitical uncertainty, South Korea has emerged as a safe and shining Lunar New Year holiday harbor.