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South Korean airlines crowd Shanghai airports
“Flying to Shanghai after work on Friday” has become a new weekend ritual among young South Koreans. Lee Jae-myung gave a nod to this trend at the recent China–South Korea Business Forum. On social media, the craze has turned everyday scenes in Shanghai into viral content: Korean-language labels now appear across store shelves, and in some shops, staff have even started speaking Korean with customers. Airlines have taken notice. With Shanghai Pudong at its core, capacity on China–South Korea routes is rising rapidly—so much so that Shanghai’s airports are increasingly being “surrounded” by South Korean carriers. According to data from Flight Master, over the past week (December 30 to January 6), the Shanghai Pudong–Incheon route operated 126 flights, served by seven airlines. Capacity deployed by foreign carriers has already surpassed that of Chinese airlines. Korean Air’s 2025 annual report shows that Shanghai has become the most closely watched Chinese destination among South Korean travelers. Passenger numbers on routes to Shanghai increased by 128,000 year on year, compared with 71,000 to Beijing and 63,000 to Qingdao. While Shanghai has emerged as the go-to destination for South Korean youths’ “inbound weekends,” many Chinese young travelers’ “outbound weekends” to South Korea now depart from Chongqing. From added frequencies to fully booked red-eye flights, these routes have become must-haves for K-pop fans and flash-trip travelers alike. Starting January 24, Air China will increase the Chongqing–Seoul route to one daily flight. From March 30, Asiana Airlines will resume the same route, also with one daily flight. This will bring the total frequency on the route to 14 flights per week. Beyond Korean Air, Jeju Air has added multiple new China routes, including Busan–Shanghai, Incheon–Guilin, Jeju–Xi’an, and Incheon–Weihai/Yanji, underscoring airlines’ rapid response to growing demand for cross-border weekend travel. Flight Master data show that routes from mainland China to South Korea have posted four consecutive weeks of growth. In the first week of 2026, weekly flight volumes exceeded 1,000 flights, recovering to 97.2% of 2019 levels and ranking first among all international routes. As of December 2025, China and South Korea were connected by 64 air routes. Domestic airlines accounted for 61.57% of total flights, while international carriers made up the remaining 38.43%.
Tourists boost Alipay+ spending in South Korea
Alipay+, the global wallet gateway service by Ant International, reported an 18% increase in QR code payment transactions in South Korea for 2025, with total payment volume rising by 16% year-on-year. This surge is attributed to tourists increasingly using Alipay+ partner wallets and bank apps for diverse services, including beauty clinics, transportation, and food and beverage (F&B) outlets. South Korea remains a top destination for tourists from Southeast Asia and the Chinese mainland, with significant spending in cities like Seoul, Jeju Island, and Busan. Notably, tourists from Hong Kong, Malaysia, Japan, Macao, and the Philippines have also contributed to the growth in Alipay+-supported transactions. As of November 2025, Alipay+ has integrated 21 international digital wallets and bank apps with over 2 million merchants in South Korea. This integration allows tourists to use their home apps for payments, enhancing convenience. In September, Alipay+ introduced Japan's PayPay service to South Korea, further facilitating seamless transactions for Japanese travellers. The fastest-growing spending categories include transportation, which saw a 120% increase in transactions, beauty clinics with a 90% rise, and F&B, which grew by 47%. Alipay+ has also partnered with local transport networks, enabling digital payments in taxis and buses across major cities. Weixiao Jiang, General Manager North Asia and North America at Alipay+, stated, “Alipay+ is committed to driving sustainable travel, by empowering local businesses whilst enhancing travellers’ experiences.” This commitment is evident as Alipay+ continues to expand its reach, connecting 40 mobile payment partners with over 150 million merchants globally. ```
Airbus opens its South Korean tech hub
Airbus announced the establishment of an Airbus Tech Hub in Korea earlier today, 18th November. Located in Daejeon, the heart of the nation’s R&D ecosystem, the new hub will serve as a dedicated centre for collaborative research and innovation, solidifying Korea’s role as a strategic technology partner. Korea is the fourth addition to Airbus’ global network of Tech Hubs, joining existing centres in Japan, the Netherlands and Singapore, which are designed to foster collaboration among industry leaders, academia, government agencies, and start-ups to push boundaries of aerospace technology. Three pillars The Airbus Tech Hub will focus on three key research pillars leveraging Korea’s industrial strengths: the development of future energy technologies, advanced lightweight composites, as well as next-generation defence and space technologies. The hub is being established in close collaboration with the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR), and Daejeon Metropolitan City. Mark Bentall, head of Airbus’ R&T programme, declared: “After five decades of successful industrial partnership with Korea, this step to launch the Airbus Tech Hub in Daejeon is a clear signal of our deepening commitment. The Tech Hub allows Airbus to tap into advanced technologies in Korea, which will help fast-track future aircraft technologies and continue to develop Korea as our trusted, long-term partner.” Bentall added that Daejeon, with its concentration of world-class R&D institutes and talent, is the ideal location for the new facility. As he explains: “This city offers the perfect synergy between advanced academia and industrial ambition, making it the essential base for joint development of future technologies that will drive the industry forward.” Three key agreements To accelerate the Tech Hub’s mission, Airbus signed three Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) during the launch ceremony. The first MoU, signed with MOTIR, establishes a framework enabling Airbus to swiftly launch research and innovation projects within Daejeon’s technology ecosystem. The second MoU, signed with Daejeon City, also outlines a commitment to support and expedite Airbus’ research and innovation initiatives across the city’s technological landscape. The third MoU, with the Korea International Trade Association (KITA), focuses on leveraging KITA’s open innovation platform in Korea to source and engage new partners identified based on the Airbus technology focus areas. Among the projects announced at the launch of the Airbus Tech Hub in Korea, Airbus is partnering with LIG Nex1 to develop space chip antenna technology used for transmitting and receiving communication signals. Separately, Airbus is engaging with EMCoretech to develop active filtering technologies needed for electrification applications to suppress electromagnetic interference. A long-standing relationship Airbus’ relationship with Korea spans more than 50 years, going back to 1974 when Korean Air ordered the original A300B4 widebody aircraft. Since then, the country has become a key customer base and partner across Airbus’ commercial aircraft, defence, space and helicopter product lines. Airbus’ substantial industrial presence is anchored by long-standing partnerships with tier-one suppliers like Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) and Korean Air Aerospace Division (KAL-ASD). These partners manufacture critical components for Airbus’ global civil aircraft programmes, including wing structures, fuselage assemblies, and composite elements for the A320, A330, and A350 families. Numerous Korean SMEs also contribute to the supply chain. Airbus’ procurement in Korea currently sustains around 6,000 highly-skilled jobs and contributes about US$600 million to the local economy annually. The new Tech Hub is complemented by the recent opening of Airbus’ wholly-owned subsidiary, CTC - Composite Technology Centre, in Busan. CTC’s new office aims to cooperate with Busan Techno Park in the research and development of advanced composite materials and processes for aerospace.
Abercrombie & Kent launches destination management company in South Korea
Global luxury travel firm Abercrombie & Kent (A&K) launches its new South Korea destination management company, a move that reinforces its position as the world's largest network of luxury DMCs. To date, A&K’s international network is made up of over 3,000 staff in more than 70 offices in 83 countries. Operating from Seoul, the new DMC strengthens A&K's access to South Korea's thriving cultural landscape at a moment when the country has emerged as Asia's most compelling cosmopolitan alternative. The launch comes as global interest in K-culture accelerates, from K-pop and K-dramas to trendsetting design, beauty innovation, and Seoul's dynamic culinary scene, positioning South Korea as one of 2026's destinations to watch. A&K Travel Group (AKTG) chief destination officer Rebecca Osman remarked: "South Korea represents the convergence of ancient tradition and contemporary innovation that defines modern luxury travel. This new DMC allows us to unlock authentic Korean experiences for our guests and trade partners, from Seoul's cutting-edge neighbourhoods to centuries-old palaces and the country's remarkable culinary heritage." A reflection of current trends South Korea's emergence mirrors broader shifts in Asian luxury travel. As Japan approaches capacity post-pandemic, discerning travellers seek authentic cultural immersion in destinations where cutting-edge innovation coexists with preserved heritage. South Korea delivers precisely this balance, from hyper-modern Seoul to Buddhist temples in rural Gyeongju, each experience revealing facets of a culture simultaneously ancient and pioneering. A perfectly-timed launch The launch comes as accessibility to South Korea reaches unprecedented levels. Virgin Atlantic's daily nonstop flights from London to Seoul launch in early 2026, whilst major US hubs including Atlanta, Dallas–Fort Worth, and San Francisco already offer direct connections, making Seoul more accessible than ever for travellers. The Seoul DMC will provide comprehensive ground services to tour operators, cruise lines, meeting planners, and travel advisors through exclusively business-to-business partnerships. A&K's deep local expertise combined with 24-hour support ensures seamless execution from the moment guests arrive until their final departure, whether exploring traditional hanok villages, accessing private culinary experiences, or discovering the innovations shaping Seoul's reputation as Asia's design capital. Ongoing regional expansion Likewise, the debut of the new DMC accelerates A&K's strategic expansion following recent DMC openings in Mexico, Indonesia, and strategic acquisitions in the Nordics and Bolivia. The company's global DMC network now provides unparalleled coverage across destinations experiencing surging luxury travel demand. The new facility also strengthens A&K's DMC network across Northeast Asia, where the company has operated for 42 years from its Hong Kong office. With established offices in Shanghai, Beijing and Tokyo, and sales coverage in Taiwan and Mongolia, A&K offers unmatched regional reach across a destination experiencing unprecedented interest. The Seoul DMC enables both standalone Korean itineraries and seamless multi-country programmes across the region.
Pet-Friendly Accommodations boom, South Korea, Thailand, and India Lead the Way: Agoda
Representative Image Digital travel platform Agoda is noting a growing interest in pet-friendly travel across Asia-Pacific, presenting new opportunities for accommodation providers. Agoda’s search data reveals Thailand as the top pet-friendly destination, followed by South Korea and Taiwan to round out the top three. Apart from being among the top searched markets for pet-friendly stays, travelers from these markets are also the ones looking for pet-friendly stays, with South Korean travelers showing a 15% year-on-year search increase for pet-friendly accommodations. According to Allied Market Research, millennials and Gen Z are at the forefront of this movement, embracing pet parenthood and actively seeking destinations that accommodate their animal companions. This shift is fueling significant growth in the sector with Agoda data revealing that pet-friendly accommodations has nearly doubled in markets like South Korea (+102%), Thailand (+92%), and India (+87%). Pet travel is entering the mainstream, and properties that embrace pet-friendly policies are well-positioned to capture a growing segment of guests who prioritize comfort and convenience for their animals. “With Millennials and Gen Z driving the rise in pet ownership, we’re seeing pet-friendly travel become an aspirational goal of this demographic across Asia,” said Andrew Smith, Senior Vice President of Supply at Agoda. “Travelers are placing greater importance on finding stays that emphasize the comfort of their animal companions, giving accommodation providers a real opportunity to adapt and differentiate. Those who invest in pet-friendly amenities and experiences will be best placed to build lasting guest loyalty and thrive in a changing hospitality landscape.” As destinations like Thailand continue to attract pet travelers from key markets such as South Korea, hoteliers have a unique opportunity to tailor their offerings to meet these guests’ expectations. In South Korea, for example, the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) actively promotes pre-travel preparation for the best places to visit and offers guidelines that integrate pets into every aspect of the journey. Accommodation providers from top-searched destinations can draw inspiration from these markets to collaborate with local veterinarians, pet boutiques, or trainers to provide added value and peace of mind for guests. Offering curated meal options for pets and highlighting proximity to pet cafes can further enhance the guest experience and cater to the needs of modern pet owners. Properties can also leverage social media to showcase their pet-friendly amenities and share guest stories, tapping into the enthusiasm of millennial and Gen Z travelers who are eager to share their adventures online. Pet travel continues to expand across Asia-Pacific, and Agoda remains committed to supporting accommodation partners with insights and solutions that help them stand out in a competitive market. Partners who adapt their offerings to this trend can unlock new avenues of opportunity and create memorable experiences for guests and their pets.
South Korea’s T’Way Air offers savings on flights to and from Taiwan till 31st October
South Korean low-cost carrier T'way Air invites travelers to enjoy special savings through 31st October on Taiwan-Korea bookings for travel until 28th March 2026. Those shopping for trips can avail of any of the following offers: Up to 15 percent Off Promo Code: enter promo code FLYOCT when booking, for travel through 28th March 2026; First-Come TWD 500 Off Coupon: bookings of TWD 5,000 or more, travel through 28th March 2026; valid on Taipei–Jeju, and Kaohsiung–Jeju; TWD 300 Off Coupon: bookings of TWD 3,000 or more, travel through 28th March 2026; TWD 800 Off Coupon: bookings of TWD 7,000 or more, travel through 28th March 2026; TWD 400 Early Bird Coupon: bookings of TWD 3,000 or more, travel period 1st December 2025 to 28th March 2026; and TWD 900 Early Bird Coupon: bookings of TWD 7,000 or more, travel period 1st December 2025 to 28th March 2026. A treat for Taiwanese tourists Travellers may opt to start in Myeongdong for street food and nonstop shopping, walk the fortress wall in Naksan Park for sunset views, and look over the Seoul skyline from N Seoul Tower. As that’s bound to whet an appetite, they can try local favorites including gimbap, naengmyeon, seollongtang, and Korean hot dogs at locations close to major shopping and cultural hotspots. For a change of pace, head to Jeju Island for coastal trails and a relaxed vibe beloved by locals. With T'way Air flights to Korea, planning a culture-rich trip is easy, and the Korean Wave adds to the fun. The airline currently operates seven direct flights to Korea: Songshan–Gimpo (Seoul), Taipei–Jeju, Taipei–Daegu, Taichung–Incheon (Seoul), Kaohsiung–Gimpo (Seoul), Kaohsiung–Incheon (Seoul), and Kaohsiung–Jeju.
Hilton Announces Partnership with INSPIRE Entertainment Resort in South Korea
Chen Si, President of INSPIRE Entertainment Resort (left) and Clarence Tan, Senior Vice President, Development, Asia Pacific, Hilton (right) at the signing ceremony Hilton announced the signing of a landmark agreement between its flagship brand, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, and INSPIRE Entertainment Resort, one of Asia’s premier leisure destinations. INSPIRE Entertainment Resort will continue to manage the property under a franchise agreement. South Korea is a premier destination for leisure travel within Asia, attracting a growing number of visitors each year. The nation’s vibrant tourism industry shows no signs of slowing down, with increasing interest from both domestic and international travelers. This strategic partnership introduces Hilton to one of South Korea’s most dynamic destinations and is poised to further accelerate South Korea’s tourism sector, drawing a diverse array of guests and elevating the country’s appeal as a world-class travel hotspot. INSPIRE, an expansive integrated entertainment resort featuring 1,275 rooms, is ideally situated just a 15-minute drive from Incheon International Airport. The property boasts three uniquely themed hotel towers, South Korea’s first 15,000-seat performance arena, an indoor water park beneath a stunning glass dome, extensive MICE facilities, a vibrant outdoor entertainment park, a casino, a 150-meter digital entertainment street, and a lively selection of shopping, dining, and entertainment options. Hilton Hotels & Resorts is renowned for hosting some of the world’s most iconic experiences and events, making guests feel connected and re-invigorated. Guests will have the opportunity to discover INSPIRE's distinctive resort experience, nestled in the scenic Yeongjong Island area of Incheon, where five-star hospitality and a wide array of entertainment options are offered within a single integrated destination. “This partnership highlights our unwavering commitment to expanding Hilton’s footprint across South Korea, while introducing our largest property in the Asia Pacific region. By uniting Hilton’s century-long legacy of exceptional hospitality with INSPIRE’s visionary destination, we are poised to redefine the guest experience—delivering unforgettable moments for both international travelers and local guests alike,” said Clarence Tan, senior vice president, Development, Asia Pacific, Hilton. “We are thrilled to partner with Hilton, a hospitality leader with global reputation and powerful loyalty ecosystem, which will enable INSPIRE to connect more deeply with travelers across Asia and beyond,” said Chen Si, president of INSPIRE Entertainment Resort. “This collaboration will mark a crucial milestone in INSPIRE’s journey to becoming a world-class entertainment destination, delivering extraordinary experiences that transcend borders and generations". “Hilton was one of the first international hotel brands to enter South Korea in 1983. For over 40 years, Hilton has set international hospitality standards for the country as well as contributing significantly to the growth of tourism. Our partnership with INSPIRE continues Hilton’s journey and momentum to provide unparalleled travel experiences for guests from South Korea and abroad,” said Joseph Khairallah, area vice president, head of Japan, Korea & Micronesia, Hilton. INSPIRE Entertainment Resort, A Hilton Partner Hotel, will participate in Hilton Honors, the award-winning guest-loyalty program for Hilton’s 24 distinct hotel brands. Hilton Honors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to instant benefits, including a flexible payment slider that allows members to choose nearly any combination of Points and money to book a stay, exclusive member discounts, free standard WiFi and the Hilton Honors mobile app.
South Korea’s Absolutely In Seoul campaign gets 600 million global views
Absolutely In Seoul, Seoul's global tourism campaign featuring K-pop star JENNIE, has reached a cumulative 600 million views worldwide since the videos were released. This milestone sets a new record in the history of Seoul's global tourism campaigns, its biggest achievement in eight years, and underscores the powerful synergy between JENNIE and Seoul. Public response to the campaign has been exceptionally enthusiastic: JENNIE's appointment as Honorary Tourism Ambassador for Seoul generated 1,181 international news reports, and the campaign videos have been reposted over 50,000 times across social media, propelling the campaign to global virality. Widespread global acceptance Viewers from around the world left enthusiastic comments in multiple languages, praising the creative concept and JENNIE's portrayal of Seoul. Building on strong digital performance, the Seoul Tourism Organisation (STO) plans to sustain global momentum through TV advertising and high-impact outdoor media in major overseas markets throughout the second half of the year. In a statement, STO officials declared: "Today's results demonstrate how Seoul has become a magnetic destination through K-pop and broader Hallyu content. We will continue to pursue active global marketing to achieve our goal of attracting 30 million international visitors." Whimsically effective Centred on the theme Anything is Possible in Seoul, the campaign was produced with cinematic, slightly fantastical storytelling and striking visual direction, designed to play like a short film. The first main episode, "DALTOKKI," follows a moon rabbit character (JENNIE) who loves Seoul and ultimately embarks on a whimsical journey to the city. The second main episode, "SEOUL CITY," uses the track "Seoul City" from JENNIE's debut solo album "Ruby" as its soundtrack and showcases JENNIE as she explores hotspots across the city. Featured locations include the Hangang Bus, Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP), SEOULDAL, Gyeongbokgung Palace, Deoksugung Palace, COEX, Seongsu-dong, Bukchon Hanok Village, Euljiro, and Nodeulseom Island.
Mongolia sees South Korea as a key partner in trade and tourism
Mongolian member of Parliament and head of the Standing Committee on Justice Tsogtbaatar Damdin received South Korean first vice-minister of Foreign Affairs Park Yoonjoo in Ulan Bataar on Thursday, 21st August. The meeting marked the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Mongolia and South Korea. In his remarks at the event, Tsogtbaatar noted that the number of mutual visits between the citizens of the two countries hit 363,000 as of end-2024. The member of Parliament added that South Korea is a key partner for Mongolia in Asia in terms of trade and tourism; indeed, the two nations have maintained a strong partnership since the establishment of diplomatic ties. Tsogbataar likewise cited the rapid evolution of tourism initiatives between Mongolia and South Korea. Equality in government For his part, Park cited the high representation of women in the Mongolian Parliament, noting it as a strong indicator of democratic consolidation. He further expressed satisfaction that the two countries share a strong mutual understanding and close people-to-people relations, driven by their close geographical proximity. Tsogtbaatar concluded by saying that Mongolia is working to improve the legal environment for foreign investment, and emphasized that there are many valuable practices his country could learn from their regional neighbours in that respect.
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