The Korean American travel industry is experiencing an unprecedented surge in demand during this year’s 10-day Chuseok holiday, marking its strongest rebound since the pandemic. Travel agencies across the United States report soaring bookings, with some tour packages selling out weeks in advance. “Some travel products have reached up to 500% higher reservation rates compared with the usual fall off-season,” said an industry official. “This Chuseok surge marks an encouraging recovery sign for the Korean American travel market.”
Shinyoung Im, Vice President of Samho Tour, noted that the popularity of seasonal products such as fall foliage and Western U.S. tours has reached rare heights. Steven Cho, Executive Director of Aju Tour, added that “buses and tour guides are in short supply as demand returns to pre-pandemic levels.”
Korean American tourists explore Western U.S. landmarks on Samho Tour and Aju Tour itineraries amid a sharp rise in demand during the 10-day Chuseok holiday. [Courtesy of Samho Tour and Aju Tour]
The most in-demand itineraries this season include early-sold-out Western Tour and Yellowstone packages. Samho Tour reported that bookings for its Western U.S. tours rose by more than 60% year-over-year, while Yellowstone tours were extended until October 10 due to overwhelming demand.
Aju Tour saw its bookings double compared to last year, handling around 900 group tourists from Korea alone and deploying 12 tour buses. Its seven-day “Complete Western U.S.” package topped sales, while special programs such as Cirque du Soleil’s “O Show,” “Ka Show,” and The Sphere performances in Las Vegas saw heightened interest.
Taejun Park, Director at PRT TOUR
, said, “Reservations surged more than 500% during the Chuseok holiday, and our seven-day Four Canyons and San Francisco package sold out early.”
Grace Lee, Team Leader at Chunchu Travel, confirmed that “all 10 group tours for Western Canyons, San Francisco, and Sedona are fully booked.”
This year also marked a clear shift toward small-scale family and customized trips.
According to Steven Cho of Aju Tour, “We operated more than seven private family tours during the holiday. The demand for FIT (Fully Independent Travel) products, which allow upgraded accommodations and flexible itineraries, has grown significantly.”
Grace Lee of Chunchu Travel added that “family-oriented small group tours were especially prominent this Chuseok.”
Industry officials attribute this trend to international travel patterns among students and families. Many Korean students who postponed travel during the summer due to stricter visa screenings chose to travel domestically with their visiting parents during the long Chuseok break.
Cruise travel was another standout performer this season.
Chunchu Travel reported that its 4-night, 5-day Ensenada and 7-night, 8-day Mexican Riviera cruise packages each sold more than 20 group slots and closed early due to high demand.
Samho Tour saw a 40% rise in short-term cruises to Mexico, while Elite Tour confirmed a notable increase in family travelers booking Mexico and Caribbean cruises.
Industry representatives expressed optimism that this momentum will extend beyond the holiday season.
“With strong demand for fall foliage tours and home-country visits continuing into mid-October, the Chuseok travel boom may mark a lasting recovery rather than a temporary spike,” one travel official said.
BY EUNYOUNG LEE [lee.eunyoung6@koreadaily.com]
