A traveler enjoys the view in Zhangjiajie, China, a popular travel spot for Koreans in this undated file photo. Korea Times file
One common sight at Korean airports in May used to be elderly couples boarding flights to overseas destinations.
For many, the trips are a form of “filial travel,” paid for by adult children to celebrate Parents’ Day on May 8. Equally familiar were the large group tours they joined, packed with fellow Korean travelers.
Recently, however, Korea’s filial travel market has been shifting away from large group tours toward smaller, more customized packages tailored for comfort and individual preferences.
“Filial travel is not a category where consumers try to cut costs,” an official from Kyowon Tour said, Friday. “Compared to independent travel or trips with young children, demand is less sensitive to price increases.”
Large group tours, once a staple of overseas travel, are rapidly giving way to smaller, more personalized packages that prioritize comfort, flexibility and convenience.
Travel agencies said packages featuring “no tipping, no optional tours and no shopping stops” are increasingly preferred, particularly among older travelers. These offerings are designed to reduce physical strain and eliminate the pressure often associated with traditional group tours.
Kyowon Tour has seen growing demand for high-end packages that include full-service airlines, direct flights, five-star hotels, VIP buses and Michelin-listed restaurants.
“Preferences for no-tip, no-option packages are steadily increasing,” a company official said. “There is also a rise in cases where adult children gift premium experiences, such as cruises in Northern Europe or Latin America tours.”
Chamjoeun Travel’s premium “Largo” line exemplifies the trend. The packages limit daily travel time to under five hours, cap visits at two cities per day and guarantee at least two hours of free time at major destinations.
Source: Korea Times News
