The landscape of international travel is shifting, from how people share experiences to their preferred payment methods.
A recent survey by OpenSurvey analyzing the travel behaviors of people in their 20s to 60s found distinct generational differences in trends. Notably, more than 70% of respondents shared their travel experiences through social media platforms such as Instagram and KakaoStory. Preferences varied significantly by age and gender—women in their 20s and 30s favored Instagram and blogs, while travelers in their 60s predominantly chose KakaoStory. Participants mainly shared on social media to reminisce about personal memories or to share experiences with travel companions.
Payment habits have also evolved significantly. Instead of traditional currency exchange at banks, travelers are increasingly using rechargeable prepaid cards like Travel Wallet and Travelog. Usage rates of these prepaid cards rose across all age groups compared to 2023, especially among those aged 20 to 40, with half opting for these payment methods. Conversely, conventional credit card use remained highest among travelers in their 50s and was notably lower among travelers in their 20s.
Distinct travel styles emerged across age groups as well. Younger travelers preferred relaxation or short frequent visits to nearby destinations, while travelers in their 60s favored package tours covering multiple cities or regions, typically involving sightseeing. Over 63% of travelers in their 60s chose package tours, with an average overseas stay of 6.7 days, the longest among all age groups.
Preferences for travel themes also differed. Travelers in their 20s and 30s preferred culinary-focused trips, while those in their 50s and 60s leaned towards historical sites, nature, scenery, and hot springs.
More than three out of ten respondents traveled abroad after the second half of 2024, with over half planning international travel for 2025. Popular destinations included Japan, Southeast Asia, and Taiwan, with younger travelers (63.3% in their 20s) favoring Japan and those in their 40s (56.3%) preferring Southeast Asia. The 60s demographic showed a higher inclination towards China and Southern Europe.
Around 16.2% had canceled travel plans, mainly due to schedule changes or financial reasons. External factors like flight incidents or natural disasters were less common reasons for cancellations.
Accommodation booking preferences varied widely. The average accommodation cost was approximately 207,100 KRW per night, with travelers in their 20s spending the least (165,400 KRW) and those in their 40s spending the most (238,000 KRW). Younger travelers typically booked accommodations via international platforms, while older travelers favored domestic travel agencies. Across age groups, Agoda and Naver were popular channels, though younger travelers were more inclined towards platforms like Trip.com, Google, and Yeogi-Eottae.
For activity searches, Naver and YouTube were widely used across all demographics. Travelers in their 60s frequently utilized domestic tour agencies like Hana Tour and Modetour, while those in their 20s and 30s preferred Instagram and KLOOK.
