Central Asia emerges as top destination for South Korean travelers
Travel interest in Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan among South Koreans saw significant growth this year.
South Koreans are driving tourism across Central Asia, data from online travel platform Agoda shows.
From January to October 2025, accommodation searches made by South Korean travelers in Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan increased by 225% year-over-year.
Kazakhstan saw the highest increase, with the city capital Almaty recording a 348% rise in search volumes following the launch of Eastar Jet's new Incheon–Almaty route, which operated from April to October this year. Shymkent, Kazakhstan's third-largest city, also saw an 89% increase in travel interest after the launch of SCAT Airlines' direct flight from Incheon in May.
In Uzbekistan, searches by South Korean travelers rose 234%, with particular interest in the country’s capital, Tashkent, where searches increased by 289% after T'way Air launched its direct Incheon–Tashkent route in May. Historic cities like Samarkand and Bukhara also gained traction, with search volumes increasing by 127% and 59%, respectively.
Kyrgyzstan saw a 61% increase in searches this year, with popular trekking sites Karakol and Cholpon-Ata recording 127% and 83% increases, respectively. The capital city, Bishkek, is also gaining traction, with a 46% increase in search volumes.
Lastly, Tajikistan recorded a 43% rise in searches from South Korean travelers, with Dushanbe, the capital city, contributing to a 41% increase in search interest.
"We're seeing a clear rise in curiosity among South Korean travelers for destinations that combine adventure, culture, and authenticity, with Central Asia standing out as a region of growing interest,” said Jay Lee, Regional Director for North Asia at Agoda.
From January to October 2025, accommodation searches made by South Korean travelers in Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan increased by 225% year-over-year.
Kazakhstan saw the highest increase, with the city capital Almaty recording a 348% rise in search volumes following the launch of Eastar Jet's new Incheon–Almaty route, which operated from April to October this year. Shymkent, Kazakhstan's third-largest city, also saw an 89% increase in travel interest after the launch of SCAT Airlines' direct flight from Incheon in May.
In Uzbekistan, searches by South Korean travelers rose 234%, with particular interest in the country’s capital, Tashkent, where searches increased by 289% after T'way Air launched its direct Incheon–Tashkent route in May. Historic cities like Samarkand and Bukhara also gained traction, with search volumes increasing by 127% and 59%, respectively.
Kyrgyzstan saw a 61% increase in searches this year, with popular trekking sites Karakol and Cholpon-Ata recording 127% and 83% increases, respectively. The capital city, Bishkek, is also gaining traction, with a 46% increase in search volumes.
Lastly, Tajikistan recorded a 43% rise in searches from South Korean travelers, with Dushanbe, the capital city, contributing to a 41% increase in search interest.
"We're seeing a clear rise in curiosity among South Korean travelers for destinations that combine adventure, culture, and authenticity, with Central Asia standing out as a region of growing interest,” said Jay Lee, Regional Director for North Asia at Agoda.
