Record Number of Repeat Korean Tourists? Lotte Card's 'CHECK iN SEOUL' Becomes a New Must-Have for Japanese Travelers

K-POP, Beauty, Oshi-katsu (Fan Activities), Cafe Hopping…

An All-in-One Service to Make Traveling to Korea More Convenient in the Era of Independent Travel

Amidst a resurgence in the Korean travel boom, Lotte Card's card and app service for foreigners, "CHECK iN SEOUL," is gaining attention as a new "essential item" for Korean travel among Japanese tourists.

In 2025, the number of travelers from Japan to Korea is expected to recover to record high levels. Particularly among women in their 20s and 30s, there's a surge in "short-term, high-frequency" trips to Korea, often focused on "Oshi-katsu," beauty, cafe hopping, and Korean gourmet experiences.

According to the Korea Tourism Organization, the number of Japanese visitors to Korea in 2025 is projected to reach a record high of approximately 3.65 million. For 2026, the target is set at a further 23% increase year-on-year to 4.5 million, indicating continued expansion in Korean travel demand. The growth in demand from repeat female travelers in their 20s and 30s is particularly notable.

Because it's a "nearby overseas destination"
Japanese travelers prioritize "convenience" and "efficiency"

Recent travel trends for Japanese tourists in Korea have shifted significantly from traditional package tours to "personalized travel styles" such as:

2-night, 3-day weekend trips to Korea
Concert and live event tours
Exploring trendy spots like Seongsu and Hannam-dong
Massive shopping for Korean cosmetics
Cosmetic surgery tourism
Visiting Instagrammable cafes

Especially recently, the impact of the weak yen has increased the demand for "enjoying overseas travel affordably in nearby destinations," leading to Korea's growing popularity as a country that offers high satisfaction even for short trips.

What are the common "Korean travel woes" for Japanese tourists?

Experienced Korean travelers often share sentiments like:

"Exchanging cash is a hassle."
"It's difficult to manage separate transportation and payment cards."
"Using Korean kiosks for ordering is challenging."
"I travel a lot by subway and managing the card balance is tough."
"Looking for a currency exchange with a good rate is inconvenient."
"I feel anxious during payment because I don't understand Korean."

"CHECK iN SEOUL" is drawing attention as a service that collectively solves these "minor travel stresses."

Features of "CHECK iN SEOUL"

■ Simple Registration with Just an Email Address

No complicated Korean language registration or local bank account required. You can register for the app simply by entering your email address, allowing preparation before departing from Japan.

■ Easy Charging & Exchange at Airports and in Cities

You can apply for the card and charge it via the app before your trip. Upon arrival in Korea, you can easily charge in KRW or foreign currencies using self-service kiosks at the airport or charging machines in the city. As it's a prepaid system where you can "use only what you need," it also helps prevent overspending during your trip.

■ Use Subway and Buses with Just One Card

Equipped with a transportation card function, it allows for smooth travel on Seoul's subway and buses. It's highly convenient for popular destinations among Japanese tourists like Myeongdong, Hongdae, Seongsu, Gangnam, and Hannam-dong, where frequent travel is common.

■ eSIM/USIM Also Available as a Set

In partnership with LG U+, eSIM/USIM packages are offered at a discounted price. This supports a "stress-free arrival in Korea" by enabling immediate communication, payment, and transportation access right after landing.

Perfect Match for "Oshi-katsu" Korean Travel

A significant trend among recent Japanese visitors is the increase in "Oshi-katsu" trips. These are often "purpose-driven consumption trips" focused on K-POP live events, visiting pop-up stores, idol pilgrimage sites, purchasing exclusive Korean merchandise, and visiting Korean brand shops. "CHECK iN SEOUL" is optimized for these travel styles.

Automatic Travel Log "Trip Diary" for Social Media Sharing

The "Trip Diary" function automatically records visited locations based on card usage history. It makes it easy to organize records of Korean cafe visits, cosmetic purchases, pilgrimage routes, and dining experiences, facilitating posts on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and X. Its compatibility with Japanese travelers who use social media for gathering and sharing travel information is a key feature.

Special Benefits at Popular Korean Brands for Japanese Tourists

"CHECK iN SEOUL" offers discount benefits at stores and facilities popular among Japanese tourists.

Main Benefits:
Lotte Duty Free: 10% discount
Lotte Mart: 15% discount
Lotte World: 30% discount
Olive Young: 10-20% discount
MUSINSA: 5% discount

With the rising popularity of K-Beauty, synergy with Korean cosmetics and fashion purchases is highly anticipated.

Lotte Card Aims to Be the "Infrastructure for Korean Travel"

A Lotte Card representative commented, "As a service integrating transportation, payment, shopping, and travel information, we aim to provide an even more comfortable Korean travel experience for Japanese tourists."

As Korean travel shifts from being a "special overseas trip" to a "frequent, easily accessible short-distance trip," "CHECK iN SEOUL" is poised to increase its presence as a service supporting new styles of visiting Korea.