×
Get latest travel news
The allure of culinary tourism is becoming increasingly evident as travelers prioritize flavorful and authentic food experiences on their journeys. According to Agoda’s Travel Outlook Report 2026, South Korea ranks among the top Asian markets for food-driven travel, alongside Taiwan, Vietnam, and Thailand. The survey highlights a significant trend: more travelers are selecting destinations based on their culinary offerings.
According to the findings, 34% of South Korean respondents identified food as one of the primary motivations for their travels, which surpasses the average of other Asian countries showcased in the study. Leading the charts is Taiwan at 47%, followed closely by Vietnam at 35% and Malaysia at 33%. Other nations sampled include Japan (32%), Indonesia (31%), Thailand (20%), and India (8%).
South Korea’s rich array of seasonal ingredients, which vary across the country’s diverse regions, plays a pivotal role in attracting food-focused travelers. The urge to sample local delicacies during their peak season, especially in the vibrant spring months, has fueled a rise in interest among all age groups. Travelers are increasingly keen on seeking authentic gastronomic experiences that tie into their tourism plans.
Data from Agoda reveals a surge in accommodation searches in cities famed for their unique seasonal foods. From January to March 2026, the relationship between culinary offerings and domestic travel demand was unmistakable, illustrating a direct connection where food influences travel choices and boosts interest in local attractions.
In the city of Changwon, Agoda tracked a remarkable 34% year-on-year increase in searches, chiefly driven by the local delicacy styela clava, abundant from March to May. This culinary specialty, known for its delectable taste when prepared in various styles, from raw to stews, has captured the attention of many food enthusiasts, leading to increased hotel bookings and heightened local dining revenue.
Similarly, Seocheon experienced a 30% rise in interest, mainly due to its famous webfoot octopus. This culinary treasure, celebrated for its tenderness, played a significant role in the city’s “Seocheon Camellia & Webfoot Octopus Festival”, held from March 21 to April 5. The festival featured culinary markets and unique activities, significantly contributing to the region’s tourism revenue and reputation as an emerging gastronomic destination.
Other cities like Gwangyang and Jindo, known for their corbicula clam and spring crab, respectively, also reported increased search interests of 28% and 23%. The anticipation surrounding the Jindo Crab Festival, scheduled for May 1 to 3, led to an astounding increase of 357% in domestic searches, encouraging longer stays and boosting local tourism.
Meanwhile, Nonsan, South Korea’s strawberry capital, noted an 18% increase as well. During its “Nonsan Strawberry Festival”, held from March 26 to 29, the region welcomed around 670,000 visitors, selling an impressive 150 tons of strawberries—a striking example of how agricultural festivals can drive significant tourism and bolster the local economy.
As per Jay Lee, Regional Director, North Asia at Agoda, the increasing appetite for local food culture experiences is shaping modern travel preferences. From the styela clava dishes of Changwon to the delightful desserts from Nonsan’s strawberries, South Korea boasts a plethora of seasonal culinary experiences that are increasingly appealing to global travelers.
Agoda aims to facilitate these culinary explorations by providing comprehensive solutions for travel needs—including flights, accommodation, and activity bookings—enabling travelers to effectively blend culinary tourism with other aspects of their itineraries.
Culinary tourism has cemented its place as a cornerstone within South Korea’s travel landscape, actively driving hotel occupancy, restaurant sales, and seasonal travel behaviors. Cities renowned for their culinary offerings consistently witness spikes in domestic travel interest, linking gastronomy with broader hospitality goals.
As food-centric journeys gain traction, they encourage extended stays, repeated visits, and elevated spending per guest, fostering sustainable development across South Korea’s tourism and hospitality sectors. Events centered around culinary arts, seasonal festivities, and regional specialties collectively enhance a destination’s appeal and economic footprint, positioning South Korea as a prominent player on the Asian culinary tourism map.
The growing emphasis on seasonal food offerings underlines how the travel industry can harness the power of culinary tourism to create meaningful experiences for travelers while uplifting the hospitality sector, demonstrating its far-reaching benefits for tourism growth and economic development in South Korea.
Image Source: Agoda
Source: The post South Korea Joins Taiwan, Vietnam, Thailand and Many More as Culinary Tourism Drives Asian Travel: Agoda 2026 Report Reveals Food-Focused Trips, Boosting Hospitality and Tourism Growth in Asia first appeared on www.travelandtourworld.com.
Leave a Reply
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *