[Yanolja Research Insights] Vol.38 The Economic Effects of Attracting Foreign Airlines to Regional Airports: Yangyang Case Study

Rethinking Regional Tourism in Korea✈️

Why International Connectivity Matters More Than Ever

South Korea’s tourism industry has entered a new phase of growth.

International travel demand is recovering, and visitor numbers are rising again.

Yet one critical question remains:

Is this growth reaching regional economies—or staying concentrated in a few key areas?

Yanolja Research Insights Vol.38 explores a new perspective on how Korea can unlock more balanced, nationwide tourism growth.

📍 The Structural Imbalance

Despite overall growth, inbound tourism in Korea remains highly centralized.

• International arrivals are heavily concentrated in major gateway cities
• Popular destinations face congestion and rising costs
• Many regional areas continue to see limited spillover effects

👉 In short, tourism growth does not automatically translate into regional economic impact

🔄 A Different Starting Point

Most tourism strategies focus on increasing visitor numbers.
But an equally important question is often overlooked:

Where do visitors enter the country?

• Current model:
  → Visitors arrive in major hubs, then (sometimes) travel outward
• Alternative approach:
  → Visitors enter directly through regional airports

This shift changes not just travel routes—but where economic value is created

💡 Why Entry Points Matter

When international access expands beyond major hubs:

• Visitors begin spending immediately upon arrival in regional areas
• Local businesses capture earlier and more sustained demand
• Travel patterns evolve into longer and more diverse itineraries

👉 Entry points are not just infrastructure—they are economic distribution mechanisms

📊 What the Numbers Suggest

Even under conservative scenarios:

• New international routes to regional airports can generate
  substantial increases in inbound visitors
• Local economies can benefit from
  incremental tourism spending and job creation
• The impact extends across
  hospitality, transportation, retail, and services

These effects compound over time as accessibility improves.

🌏 Beyond Aviation: A System-Level Approach

Expanding international routes alone is not enough.
To fully realize the benefits, a coordinated ecosystem is essential:

• Seamless ground transportation connectivity
• Targeted international marketing strategies
• Streamlined entry and travel policies
• Distinct regional tourism positioning

👉 Connectivity works best when supported by integrated planning and execution

❓Curious About What Comes Next?

What would happen if international routes to regional airports expand further?
How much additional demand could Korea unlock beyond major gateway cities?
What strategies would be most effective in turning connectivity into real economic impact?

• How can Korea optimize its airport network to better distribute inbound demand?
• Which regions stand to gain the most from enhanced international access?
• What role do policy, infrastructure, and private-sector collaboration play in scaling these effects?

These are just some of the questions explored in greater depth.

Check out the full report to uncover the scenarios, data insights, and strategic directions shaping the future of regional tourism in Korea.

[Yanolja Research Insights Vol.38] The Economic Effects of Attracting Foreign Airlines to Regional Airports: Yangyang Case Study