"Qingdao is close to South Korea, with great food and a beautiful mix of tradition and modernity. The grilled fish with beer is especially famous in South Korea!" said a South Korean visitor, whose recent weekend trip to Qingdao in Shandong province epitomizes the surge in tourism to the coastal Chinese city from the neighboring nation.

South Korea topped China's inbound arrivals in the first half of 2026, with 22.91 million visits — a 20.4 percent jump year on year. During the period, Qingdao received 230,500 direct-entry South Korean tourists, a 28.4 percent year-on-year increase. 

As the number of South Korean travelers surges, Qingdao has become the gateway of choice. South Korea is the city's largest source market, and Qingdao's flights to Seoul and Busan now rank second in China for passenger volume.

Recently, South Korea's ambassador to China, Roh Jae-heon, recommended Qingdao as the first stop for South Korean tourists when visiting China. The global "Chinamaxxing" trend — seeking immersive experiences in Chinese lifestyles — has driven this growth.

South Korean travelers are shifting from sightseeing to authentic local experiences. The city has launched themed "Weekend in Qingdao" products, including two-to-three-day itineraries for golfing, fishing, sailing, and culinary tours. This summer, fishing and seaside homestays have become particularly popular among South Korean visitors.

Experiential offerings are expanding: a 214-student study tour from South Korea's Ulsan visited Qingdao in June; the city also welcomed Shandong's first large-scale pet-friendly tour group from South Korea.

In July, a promotional event was held in Seoul to further boost the "Weekend in Qingdao" brand. South Korean travel agencies report that Qingdao ranks third among summer bookings to China, with reservations up about 50 percent year-on-year.

With its 1.5-hour flight connectivity and visa-friendly policies, Qingdao is becoming the preferred short-haul destination for South Korean travelers seeking a convenient and culturally rich escape.

South Korea is Qingdao's largest source market, and Qingdao's flights to Seoul and Busan now rank second in China for passenger volume. [Photo/Guanhai News]