▲ How Heatwaves Have Changed Summer Travel Patterns
Scorching heatwaves nearing 40°C (104°F) have reportedly altered how people choose their summer vacation spots.
While demand for indoor facilities with air conditioning, such as shopping malls and movie theaters, has increased, visits to tourist destinations requiring prolonged outdoor exposure have plummeted.
According to Tmap Mobility on the 5th, comparing the number of destination settings for major locations nationwide from July 27 to August 2—when the heatwave intensified—with the same period last year, the shopping category increased by 5.2%, while the travel and leisure category decreased by 16.5%.
Within the shopping category, large discount stores rose by 26.2% and department stores by 4.5%.
Demand for indoor cultural facilities also surged significantly, with theaters increasing by 52.1%, science museums by 42.7%, and concert halls by 39.2%.
Conversely, destination settings for outdoor leisure facilities dropped sharply due to the heatwave.
Water and marine sports facilities decreased by 52.5%, while observatories and lakes fell by 50.4% and 49.1%, respectively.
Waterfalls and valleys also dropped by 47.9%, and theme parks and hot springs declined by 37.7% and 23.4%, respectively.
However, beaches saw only an 11.2% decrease, maintaining demand relatively better than other outdoor tourist spots.
The most visited beaches by Tmap users this summer included Anmok Beach in Gangneung, Songdo Beach in Busan, Hamdeok Beach in Jeju, Mallipo Beach in South Chungcheong Province, and Jinha Beach in Ulsan.
In response to these shifting travel patterns, Tmap Mobility is offering services that recommend indoor outing spots, local restaurants, and festivals.
Under "Pop-ups & Exhibitions," users can check information on indoor events such as shopping malls, exhibitions, and pop-up stores, while "Local Restaurants" helps users discover eateries frequently visited by locals or those experiencing a recent surge in visits.
(Photo provided by Tmap, Yonhap News)
※
Copying, redistribution, and unauthorized use in AI training are strictly prohibited.