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South Korean Domestic Travel Less Satisfying Compared to Overseas Trips

South Korean Domestic Travel Less Satisfying Compared to Overseas Trips

James Miller, LocalsRide.com
by 
James Miller, LocalsRide.com
3 minutes read
News
July 26, 2025

Travel Satisfaction Survey Findings

Recent survey findings reveal a noticeable trend among South Koreans regarding their travel preferences, highlighting a general dissatisfaction with domestic tourism in comparison to international travel. This sentiment is significantly shaped by high local prices at tourist destinations.

Survey Results Overview

Conducted by the Federation of Korean Industries, this survey encompassed a sample of 1,000 adults who traveled both domestically and overseas within the past three years. The findings showed domestic tourism achieving an average satisfaction score of 8.3 out of 10, while overseas trips garnered a higher score of 8.7.

Reasons for Dissatisfaction

When probed for reasons behind their dissatisfaction with local tourism, 45.1% of respondents pointed to high prices at tourist spots as the primary concern. Additionally, 19.4% expressed frustration about the lack of unique regional attractions.

Category Evaluations

Respondents were asked to assess their experiences in various categories, including:

  • Accessibility
  • Amenities
  • Food
  • Accommodations
  • Historic and Cultural Resources
  • Tourism Programs
  • Regional Festivals and Events
  • Recreational Facilities
  • Sports and Leisure Activities
  • Shopping
  • Scenery

In the convenience-related categories—accessibility, amenities, and food—domestic travel scored slightly higher. However, international trips outshone local travel across all other categories.

Future Travel Aspirations

Despite general dissatisfaction, 39% of participants expressed openness to domestic travels, marginally exceeding the 38.4% who preferred international trips. This inclination toward domestic travel can be attributed to several factors:

  • Lower cost and time investment
  • Less preparation required
  • No language barriers

Interestingly, a more substantial proportion of individuals plans to travel domestically this year, with figures showing 87.6% expressing intentions to explore the country compared to 60.4% looking to venture abroad. Yet, a striking discrepancy exists in expenditure: individuals are likely to spend nearly four times more on overseas trips, averaging 1.98 million won ($1,428) for international excursions compared to 543,000 won for domestic travels.

Impact on Taxi and Transfer Services

This trend highlights significant implications for taxi and transfer services, especially within South Korea’s domestic tourism sector. As travelers show preferences for domestic trips yet express dissatisfaction due to costs, local services can innovate on pricing and improve customer experiences. Access to transparent and budget-friendly taxi and transfer options can positively influence travel decisions, as visitors seek to maximize value during their excursions.

Conclusions and Key Takeaways

The general dissatisfaction expressed by South Koreans regarding local tourism illuminates a broader trend that could pose challenges for the domestic travel industry. Despite these challenges, there remains a willingness among consumers to explore domestic destinations provided that
they present better value and unique experiences.

For travelers, the reviews may inform their planning decisions; however, personal experience remains paramount. On LocalsRide.com, travelers can hire cars with drivers from verified providers at reasonable prices, ensuring choices that align with their needs without breaking the bank. With comprehensive details on vehicle makes and models, users enjoy unmatched transparency, affordability, and convenience in their travel planning.

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