Learn Korean: Korea's Most Popular Travel Destinations Today

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Korean Reading Practice

'일본보다 많이 갈 판"…요즘 한국인 '최애 여행지' ...

Date: May 08, 2026

Introduction

This article discusses how Korean travelers are increasingly choosing China as their preferred travel destination, surpassing traditional favorites like Japan. The South Korean government has significantly expanded flight routes and airline capacity to China, making travel more accessible and affordable through budget airlines and regional airports. The dramatic growth in travelers heading to China reflects both improved transportation infrastructure and China's welcoming visa policies.

Vocabulary

Korean Romanization Meaning Example
여행지 yeohaengji travel destination 서울은 인기 있는 여행지예요.Seoul is a popular travel destination.
노선 noseon route/flight line 새로운 항공 노선이 생겼어요.A new flight route was created.
항공사 hanggongsa airline 대한항공은 큰 항공사입니다.Korean Air is a major airline.
수요 suyo demand 중국 여행 수요가 많아졌어요.Demand for China travel increased.
지방공항 jibanggonghang regional airport 지방공항에서 출발하는 비행기가 많아요.Many flights depart from regional airports.
운수권 unsugwon transportation rights 정부가 운수권을 확대했어요.The government expanded transportation rights.
LCC elsisi low-cost carrier LCC는 저렴한 항공사예요.LCCs are budget airlines.
무비자 mubija visa-free 중국의 무비자 정책이 좋아요.China's visa-free policy is great.
승객 seunggaek passenger 비행기 승객이 많았어요.There were many passengers on the plane.
회복세 hoebokse recovery trend 여행 산업이 회복세를 타고 있어요.The travel industry is showing recovery.
인천국제공항 incheongukjegonghang Incheon International Airport 인천국제공항은 한국의 큰 공항이에요.Incheon International Airport is Korea's major airport.
다변화 dabyeonhwa diversification 상품 다변화가 필요해요.Product diversification is necessary.

Reading Text

한국 정부가 중국으로 가는 항공 노선을 크게 늘리기로 결정했습니다.

The Korean government decided to significantly expand flight routes to China.

이제 더 많은 항공사들이 중국 노선을 운영할 수 있게 되었고, 비행기 표도 더 저렴해질 것으로 예상됩니다.

Now more airlines can operate China routes, and airplane tickets are expected to become more affordable.

예전에는 인천공항에서만 주로 중국으로 가는 비행기가 출발했지만, 이제는 부산, 대구, 광주 같은 지방공항에서도 많은 비행기가 떠나갑니다.

Previously, flights to China mainly departed from Incheon Airport, but now many flights also depart from regional airports like Busan, Daegu, and Gwangju.

한국 사람들이 중국 여행을 더 많이 가고 싶어 하면서, 여행 회사들은 다양한 상품을 만들고 있습니다.

As Korean people want to travel to China more, travel companies are creating diverse travel packages.

올해 첫 3개월 동안 중국으로 간 한국인 승객은 439만 명으로, 작년 같은 기간보다 26% 이상 증가했습니다.

During the first three months of this year, 4.39 million Korean passengers traveled to China, an increase of over 26% compared to the same period last year.

흥미롭게도 중국이 이제 일본과 베트남을 제치고 한국인들이 가장 많이 방문하는 나라가 되었습니다.

Interestingly, China has now surpassed Japan and Vietnam to become the country most visited by Korean travelers.

중국이 한국 관광객들에게 비자를 주지 않는 무비자 정책을 시행하면서, 여행이 더욱 편리해졌습니다.

China's visa-free policy for Korean tourists has made travel even more convenient.

앞으로 한국과 중국 사이의 항공 여행은 더욱 활발해질 것으로 보입니다.

In the future, air travel between Korea and China is expected to become even more active.

Grammar Points

-기로 하다 decide to

Attached to a verb stem to express a decision or plan to do something. '-기로 하다/결정하다' means 'decided to do'.

📖 한국 정부가 중국으로 가는 항공 노선을 크게 늘리기로 결정했습니다. The Korean government decided to significantly increase the number of air routes to China.

✏️ 우리는 내년에 제주도로 여행을 가기로 했어요. We decided to travel to Jeju Island next year.

-게 되다 come to / end up

Attached to a verb stem with '-게 되다' to express a change of state or situation — 'came to be able to / ended up being able to'.

📖 이제 더 많은 항공사들이 중국 노선을 운영할 수 있게 되었고, 비행기 표도 더 저렴해질 것으로 예상됩니다. Now more airlines have come to be able to operate routes to China, and airfare is expected to become cheaper as well.

✏️ 열심히 공부해서 한국어를 잘 할 수 있게 되었어요. I studied hard and came to be able to speak Korean well.

Cultural Notes

For Korean learners to understand this article's significance, it's important to know that Korea has historically maintained strong travel and business connections with both Japan and China. However, in recent years, Korean-Chinese relations have fluctuated due to geopolitical factors, making this shift in travel preferences noteworthy. Additionally, Korean travelers are known for their enthusiasm for exploring new destinations and taking advantage of affordable travel options—budget airlines (LCC) are extremely popular in Korea because they align with the practical, value-conscious approach many Korean consumers take. Regional airports outside Seoul have become increasingly important to Korea's economy, as the government actively promotes decentralization of major industries and services away from the capital region.

Source: 네이버 뉴스 | Original Article
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📝 Comprehension Questions

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Q1

According to the article, which country has become the most visited destination for Korean travelers, surpassing Japan and Vietnam?

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Q2

What is one major change in how Korean travelers can now access flights to China, compared to the past?

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Q3

By what percentage did Korean passenger numbers to China increase in the first quarter of this year compared to the same period last year?

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Q4

Name two types of airlines (FSC and LCC) mentioned in the article and explain which one now operates most of the new China routes.

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Q5

What policy has China implemented that has made travel from Korea more convenient for tourists?

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