Despite ongoing economic and social uncertainty, travel demand among Korean Americans for the upcoming Memorial Day weekend (May 23–26) has increased compared to last year, according to local travel agencies.
Bus and Train Travel Gaining Popularity
Youngim Shin, Vice President of Samho Tour, reported that bookings for the holiday weekend are up approximately 30% year-over-year. “Due to immigration raids, many are avoiding flights and preferring bus or train tours,” she said.
One of the most popular packages is a three-day limousine bus tour that includes Antelope Canyon, Monument Valley, Glen Canyon Dam, and Lake Powell. Other in-demand destinations include Yosemite National Park, San Francisco, Sedona, and Redwood Forest rail trips, especially for Korean American clients seeking short, convenient vacations.
Aju Tours has also seen a roughly 10% increase in local tour bookings. Steve Cho, Executive Director, noted, “We’ve seen a notable uptick in travel inquiries compared to last year. If bookings continue through the eve of the holiday, we expect a 15% or greater increase overall.” He added that Antelope Canyon, Monument Valley, and Pacific rail tours are particularly popular.
Immigration and Economic Factors Driving Shift
Travel companies attribute this trend to strengthened immigration enforcement and tighter border controls, which have created psychological barriers to international travel—especially air travel. In contrast, bus and train options are perceived as safer, more predictable alternatives.
Taejun Park, Director at PRT Tour, stated, “Due to political and economic uncertainty, overseas travel demand is lower this year. However, domestic destinations like the two-night Yellowstone tour remain strong.”
Grace Lee, Team Manager at Four Seasons Travel, noted that rising prices and stricter immigration policies are making long-distance travel less appealing. “While interest in trips to Northern Europe or South Korea used to be high, local destinations like Santa Barbara and Solvang—especially train and bus tours—are now fully booked,” she said.
With U.S. inflation still elevated, these local tours offer a cost-effective alternative. “Compared to the cost of overseas travel—airfare, insurance, etc.—local tours are more budget-friendly and flexible, which appeals to many customers,” said a travel agency representative.
Record-Breaking Nationwide Travel Expected
Beyond the Korean American community, the Memorial Day weekend is expected to see record-breaking travel across the United States. According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), more than 45 million people will travel at least 50 miles during the holiday period—the highest figure in 20 years.
Roughly 87% of these travelers are expected to drive, reflecting a broader preference for affordable and convenient travel methods in a time of economic pressure.
BY HOONSIK WOO [woo.hoonsik@koreadaily.com]
