South Korean Women Lead Global Travel Surge, Driven by Japan and China

South Korean women are at the forefront of a global travel boom, outpacing travelers from other nations in both frequency and spending, with Japan and China emerging as particularly popular destinations. This trend is reshaping the travel landscape, with women increasingly influencing travel decisions and prioritizing experiences tailored to their needs.

Rise of the Female Traveler

Global flight bookings made by women travelers have increased by 13% year-on-year, according to Trip.com Group data. This surge is particularly pronounced in Southeast Asia, where Indonesia has seen bookings by women travelers more than double compared to the previous year. The average woman traveler took one to two international trips in 2025.

South Korea Takes the Lead

A survey of 3,500 women worldwide conducted by Trip.com Group revealed that South Korean women travel internationally more frequently than women from any other country surveyed, including China and Taiwan . Airline ticket reservations and travel-related searches by South Korean women increased by 37% and 65%, respectively, in 2025 compared to the previous year.

Japan Remains a Top Destination

Osaka and Fukuoka in Japan continue to be the most sought-after destinations for South Korean women travelers. In 2025, the number of Korean visitors to Japan reached 9,459,600, exceeding 9 million for the first time in history, representing a 7.3% increase from the previous year .

China’s Growing Appeal

Demand for travel to China is also on the rise, with cities like Shanghai and Qingdao gaining popularity. Shanghai was identified as the fastest-growing overseas travel destination among Korean travelers, climbing 17 places in rankings based on reservation data from January to November 2025 . The number of Koreans visiting China, including Hong Kong and Macau, increased by 36.9% in 2025, reaching 3.158 million, while Chinese visitors to Korea increased by 18.5% to 5.787 million, attributed to the expansion of visa-free policies between the two countries .

Solo Female Travel and Millennial Trends

Solo travel among millennial women (aged 25-34) is a significant trend, particularly in South Korea, Indonesia, and Vietnam. In Europe, a different demographic is driving solo travel, with approximately 20% of solo female travelers in Italy and France being over 50 years traditional .

Safety and Family-Focused Travel

Safety remains the most critical factor for women when choosing a travel destination. Women travelers also demonstrate a strong influence on family travel planning and are willing to spend more on family-inclusive experiences, such as guaranteed family seating on airplanes and family-friendly accommodations .

Singapore as a Hub for Female Travelers

Singapore is emerging as a key hub for female-led tourism growth, offering a safe and welcoming starting point for many journeys .