Osaka remains most popular destination among Korean summer vacationers

SEOUL, June 12 (Yonhap) -- Japan's Osaka remained the top overseas destination for South Korean summer vacationers for the second consecutive year in 2016, data released by a local tour agency showed Sunday.

Osaka was followed by Bangkok, Singapore, Taiwan and Hong Kong in the rankings of popular foreign vacation spots among locals, Seoul-based Interpark Tour said.

Interpark unveiled the rankings after analyzing international air tickets bought by Koreans in May for departures between June and September.

London ranked third last year but slid to 13th place this year apparently due to terrorist threats throughout Europe.

By contrast, Guam has surged from 14th to sixth, because of increased flights by low-cost carriers.

Interpark officials said South Korean travelers' interest has gradually been shifting from crowded destinations like Paris and London to unique places, like the southern French region, pointing to a spike in travel packages involving stays in Nice, Aries and Avignon.
(END)