Demand for short trips rises in South Korea ahead of Chuseok
Interest in short domestic trips has risen in South Korea ahead of the Chuseok holiday: searches for travel destinations increased by 160% compared with the figure two weeks before the holiday. Chuseok falls on September 25 this year, and the holiday period will last from September 24 to 27, Korea Herald reports, citing data from the travel platform Agoda.
The publication highlighted Sokcho, Gyeongju and Andong as destinations for short trips. Sokcho in Gangwon Province ranked fourth among the most frequently searched domestic destinations, behind Jeju, Busan and Seoul. Searches for accommodation in the coastal city rose by 324%, the highest figure among domestic destinations on the platform.
Sokcho: mountains and hot springs
In Sokcho, tourists are invited to visit Seoraksan National Park. An alternative to climbing is the 2.7-kilometer Seorak Hyanggiro trail near the foot of the mountains, which has an observation deck and a suspension bridge. Nearby are Cheoksan Hot Springs and the Sokcho Tourist & Fishery Market, also known as Jungang Market.
The squid season continues in the city until the end of September, with squid sold at specialized outlets in Sokcho and at Daepo Port. Male blue crabs are served steamed or in braised dishes during this period. On market days, Chodan corn, watermelons and plums are also sold at the stalls.
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Autumn flowers in Gyeongju
In Gyeongju, the former capital of the Silla state, additional KTX services began operating through Gyeongju Station in September. A seasonal attraction in the city is a field of orange cosmos behind Bunhwangsa Temple. From mid-September, muhly grass turns pink in the historic district that includes Cheomseongdae Observatory, Wolseong and Gyerim Forest. It blooms until October, and admission to Cheomseongdae is free.
Fire show and mask festival in Andong
On September 19 and October 4, the Hahoe Yayeon program will take place in the Mansongjeong pine forest and on the banks of the Nakdonggang River in Andong. It will combine the traditional Seonyu Julbulnori fire performance, shows and local cuisine. During the performance, ropes suspended above the water are set alight, and burning sparks fall from them in the darkness.
From September 24 to October 4, the city will also host the Andong Mask Dance Festival. The main venues will be the grounds of the former Andong Station and the Mask Dance Park area. The program will include Korean mask dance drama, performances by groups from other countries, retail outlets and a night market. Andong participates in the Half-Price Korea Travel program: participants are reimbursed 50% of confirmed local expenses, up to 100,000 won per person, while travelers aged 19 to 34 can receive up to 140,000 won. To participate, applicants must submit an application on the local government's website and documents confirming their expenses.
