IMARC Group has recently released a new research study titled “South Korea Online Travel Market Size, Share, Trends and Forecast by Service Type, Platform, Mode of Booking, Age Group, and Region, 2025-2033”, offers a detailed analysis of the market drivers, segmentation, growth opportunities, trends and competitive landscape to understand the current and future market scenarios.

South Korea Online Travel Market Overview

The South Korea online travel market size was valued at USD 10,801.09 Million in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 25,178.16 Million by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 9.86% during the forecast period 2025-2033. Driven by a tech-savvy and mobile-first population, integrated platforms offer services covering flights, hotels, transport, tours, and cultural experiences. Enhanced multi-language support and seamless mobile interfaces cater to both domestic and international travelers, positioning the market for strong growth.

Study Assumption Years

• Base Year: 2024
• Historical Years: 2019-2024
• Forecast Period: 2025-2033

South Korea Online Travel Market Key Takeaways

• Current Market Size: USD 10,801.09 Million in 2024
• CAGR: 9.86%
• Forecast Period: 2025-2033
• South Korea leads Northeast Asia in mobile travel adoption, with many bookings via smartphones accelerated by the pandemic.
• Leading platforms utilize AI assistants, one-tap payments, and voice search tailored to local needs.
• Personalization technologies including AI and machine learning recommend tailored travel experiences based on user behavior.
• Growth in eco-aware and culturally immersive travel packages is prominent, with national initiatives promoting sustainable tourism.
• Major service types include transportation, travel accommodation, and vacation packages, served across mobile and desktop platforms.

Sample Request Link: https://www.imarcgroup.com/south-korea-online-travel-market/requestsample

Market Growth Factors

The South Korea online travel market is driven by a rapid rise in mobile-centric booking platforms. As of April 2025, Phocuswright highlighted that South Korean travelers lead Northeast Asia in mobile travel adoption, with a majority of online bookings originating from smartphones—a trend initiated during the COVID-19 pandemic that continues to grow. Leading platforms have enhanced user experience by incorporating AI assistants, one-tap payments, and voice-search features adapted to the local market, supported by 5G infrastructure and widespread smartphone ownership. These platforms enable seamless booking of flights, rail, accommodation, and tours within unified app ecosystems, which become especially vital during peak seasons.

Personalization technology is a key growth driver in the market. South Korean online travel platforms deploy advanced AI and machine learning models to analyze user route history, cultural preferences, and viewing behavior to deliver highly tailored travel itineraries shortly after search queries. The government supports this trend by integrating personalized e-visa and itinerary tools for international travelers. This approach reduces booking time while increasing offer relevance, with interest-based filters for cuisine, wellness, and cultural access gaining traction. This personalization enhances user satisfaction and drives upselling and repeat engagement.

There is strong growth in eco-aware and culturally immersive travel offerings. South Korean travelers exhibit high environmental consciousness and actively seek authentic local experiences. National initiatives such as the "Traveling Spring" program, launched from March to May 2025 by Korea Tourism Organization, promoted eco-friendly transportation, discounted accommodations, and guided temple stays across less-visited coastal and mountainous regions. Digital platforms incorporate eco-certified stays, hanok-based rural tourism, and community-led cultural workshops. These offerings align with Seoul’s urban conservation policies, supporting local economies and reflecting an evolving traveler mindset focused on sustainable tourism.

Market Segmentation

Service Type Insights:

• Transportation: Involves booking of travel services such as flights, rail, and other transit options through online platforms.
• Travel Accommodation: Covers online bookings for hotels, eco-certified stays, hanok-based rural tourism, and other lodging options.
• Vacation Packages: Includes curated travel bundles combining transport, accommodation, tours, and cultural experiences.

Platform Insights:

• Mobile: Dominant platform driven by widespread smartphone ownership, integrated services, and mobile-first innovations.
• Desktop: Traditional platform offering bookings, complementary to mobile but with less usage compared to mobile.

Mode of Booking Insights:

• Online Travel Agencies (OTAs): Third-party platforms facilitating bookings for transportation, accommodation, and packages.
• Direct Travel Suppliers: Includes direct bookings with airlines, hotels, and other service providers without intermediaries.

Age Group Insights:

• 22-31 Years: A youthful demographic engaging actively in online travel bookings.
• 32-43 Years: Mid-age group also significantly represented in online travel usage.
• 44-56 Years: Mature age segment participating in online travel market.
• Above 56 Years: Older demographic increasingly adopting online travel platforms.

Regional Insights

The dominant region in the South Korea online travel market is the Seoul Capital Area, supported by high urban smartphone penetration and infrastructure. The report also covers Yeongnam (Southeastern Region), Honam (Southwestern Region), Hoseo (Central Region), and other areas. Market statistics specific to the regions' shares or CAGR are not provided in the source. This regional spread underscores a nationwide expansion of online travel services with particular strength in metropolitan hubs.

Recent Developments & News

• April 2025: Trip.com expanded aggressively in South Korea through pricing and localized services including domestic payment support and specialized promotions, strengthening its position against local agencies.
• February 2025: EaseMyTrip partnered with Korea Tourism Organization via an MoU to promote South Korea to Indian travelers, launching a Korea microsite with curated itineraries, travel guides, and co-branded content to reach Tier 2 and Tier 3 Indian cities.

About Us

IMARC Group is a global management consulting firm that helps the world’s most ambitious changemakers to create a lasting impact. The company provide a comprehensive suite of market entry and expansion services. IMARC offerings include thorough market assessment, feasibility studies, company incorporation assistance, factory setup support, regulatory approvals and licensing navigation, branding, marketing and sales strategies, competitive landscape and benchmarking analyses, pricing and cost research, and procurement research.

Contact Us

IMARC Group,

134 N 4th St. Brooklyn, NY 11249, USA,

Email: sales@imarcgroup.com,

Tel No: (D) +91 120 433 0800,

United States: +1-201971-6302