Japan most popular destination among Korean solo travelers in August.
Customizing a trip to your own desires, exploring new challenging environments independently and fully immersing in unfamiliar cultures. These are some of the advantages of solo travel. With the peak of the summer season around the corner, digital travel platform Agoda reveals the five most popular international destinations for Korean solo travelers.
Agoda data insights reveal the five most popular overseas destinations for solo journeyers traveling in August. Japan is the top choice, followed by tropical havens Thailand (#2) and Vietnam (#3). Many solo travelers are also seeking a European experience in France (#4) or plan to visit relatively familiar neighbor destination Taiwan (#5).
According to the previously released 2023 Travel Trend Survey, ‘food, arts, and culture’ is one of the top reasons to travel this year for Koreans. With that in mind, Agoda highlights unique festivals in the five destinations most-loved by Korean solo travelers.
Cool water-throwing to drench you with culture in Tokyo, Japan
If you’re visiting Tokyo – the top city of choice among Korean solo travelers in August based on Agoda data – consider being there for a cool water blast at the Fukagawa Festival (August 11 – 15). It’s a traditional festival that dates to the Edo period and is one of the big three Shintō festivals of Tokyo, along with the Kanda Matsuri and Sanno Matsuri. There will be water-throwing to drench you and cool you down, a gigantic Mikoshi (portable shrine) procession across the city, as well as music performances, parades, and traditional arts. This year’s edition is one to look out for as 2023 is a Hon Matsuri year, with over 50 large Mikoshi. Experience the spectacle at the heart of the action from APA Hotel Asakusa-Ekimae, located at a 30-minute subway ride from the Tomioka Hachimangū Shrine (Fukagawa Shrine) where the festival is centered.
The beach party of your dreams in Koh Phangan, Thailand
When the full moon rises over Koh Phangan, the Haad Rin Beach transforms into the scene of a wild party. The Full Moon Party captivates 20,000 to 30,000 partygoers every moon cycle and is a favorite on the bucket lists of solo travelers from across the globe. The electronic music festival offers all the best qualities you want from a party, including great music, dancing, plenty of drinks and food, colorful lights, fire show entertainment and an international party crowd. This August, there are two chances to seize the night: August 3 and August 31. If you book Vannee Golden Sands Beachfront Resort, located at a 10-minute walk from the Haad Rin, you’ll have no worries about getting home after the party.
Spirits to chase the heat away in Hoi An, Vietnam
How about a festival with likeminded souls to chase the heat away in Hoi An, Vietnam? On the day of the Vu Lan Festival (August 30) – also known as Wondering Souls Day – it is believed that the gates to hell open to give wondering spirits a chance to be pardoned. If you visit for the Hoi An Lantern Festival (August 29) at Hoi An Ancient Town, you will get a chance to appreciate a beautiful array of lighted lanterns commemorating the souls. While the thought may be spooky, the town is known to be entirely safe to wander around by yourself until late at night. You can follow the local Hoi An customs on Vu Lan, such as attending pagoda services to pray for the deceased or setting afloat your own luminous lantern at the Hoài River. Bel Marina Hoi An Resort is a great spot to start exploring the hidden gems in the corners of town, a well-preserved UNESCO heritage site cut through with canals.
Reality blended with contemporary art… A surreal walk through the trails of Nantes, France
France is known for its rich cultural heritage and sensual art. At the cultural event Le Voyage à Nantes you can immerse yourself in a surreal environment where reality is blended with contemporary art. The annual festival is one of France’s major annual cultural events. Along a 22km-long trail through the city, impressive works of art are erected by artists, architects, designers, and gardeners. Some of the most beloved artworks are selected to remain as permanent urban features. Another attraction to look out for is hotel rooms designed by artists that participated in previous years, which means you can even admire artwork in your hotel room.
Your favorite perky character balloons up in the Taitung, Taiwan skies
The Taiwan International Balloon Festival, one of the country’s most anticipated summer events, involves flights in hot-air balloons of various shapes, sizes, and designs. Many balloons are shaped as your favorite fictional character, from Hello Kitty to SpongeBob or even Cogsworth from Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. The balloons are crafted by participants from Taiwan as well as designers from countries as far flung as Japan, UK, U.S. and Brazil. Keep an eye out for several first-reveal international designs, which can be enjoyed over the 60 day event. The balloons take off across the serene grassy Luye Highlands, easily accessible by public transportation such as bus or subway from Taitung Puyuma Style Inn.
