Published on
November 1, 2025
South Korea’s growing tourism to Zhangjiajie has spurred expanded flights by Korean airlines and increased hotel demand, making the stunning city in Hunan Province one of China’s top emerging travel destinations. Known for its awe-inspiring landscapes, Zhangjiajie has captivated visitors, particularly from South Korea, where the city’s unique beauty has become increasingly popular. The surge in South Korean tourists is largely driven by the region’s famous sandstone peaks, crystal-clear ravines, and the viral success of South Korean dramas featuring Zhangjiajie as a backdrop. As a result, airlines like Korean Air, Asiana Airlines, and Jeju Air have significantly boosted their flight offerings to the region, while the hospitality industry has ramped up its services to accommodate the growing influx of international travelers. This harmonious growth in both air travel and accommodations is transforming Zhangjiajie into an even more accessible and attractive destination for global visitors, especially from South Korea.
South Korea’s Increased Tourism to Zhangjiajie Results in More Flights by Korean Airlines and Heightened Demand for Hotels in Zhangjiajie
Zhangjiajie was recognized for its classic landscapes with towering pillar rocks and has become one of the most popular tourist cities in China. In recent years, the growth of South Korean tourist traffic to the city has been one of the most significant drivers of growth. Hotels and resorts in the city have been responding to the positive impact of South Korean tourist traffic by increasing the frequency of their flights to serviced by Korean airlines.
The Economical and Tourism Impact Zhangjiajie Flights Have In South Korea
During 2024, one of the most significant changes the city has experienced is the high number of South Korean visitors, who have now come to be recognized as one of the largest parts of international tourists to the city. The increased links South Korea has established with the city have impacted the businesses in the city, and particularly the tourism and hospitality industries.
There are many reasons for the increase in South Korean tourists to Zhangjiajie. One is the region’s natural beauty, which has received a lot of media attention and has gone viral on social media. South Korean dramas have also piqued interest. For instance, When Life Gives You Tangerines included scenes that captured the breathtaking Zhangjiajie scenery. This and other cultural drivers have encouraged South Koreans to travel to the location and explore the natural beauty for themselves.
Korean Airlines Expands Routes to Zhangjiajie
The increase in demand for travel to Zhangjiajie from South Korea has changed the number of flights available. Korean Air is one of South Korea’s major airlines, and they have also increased their flights to Zhangjiajie. South Korean tourists can now travel to Zhangjiajie more easily with direct flights from Seoul’s Incheon International Airport to Zhangjiajie Hehua International Airport.
South Korean tourists now have more options thanks to Korean Air, Asiana Airlines, and Jeju Air to access this previously off-the-beaten-path destination. Flights between Seoul and Zhangjiajie are direct and are about four hours. They are ideal for those wishing to see the wonders of nature. These airlines and others with code share agreements and connecting flights helped and continue to help make Zhangjiajie more accessible to other international tourists.
These flights make air travel to Zhangjiajie more convenient to almost anyone interested in traveling to China. More to the point, the increased accessibility flights are proof the destination is gaining popularity, and for good reason. Most importantly for the local economy, the direct flight to Zhangjiajie facilitates travel for international tourists, especially those who are South Korean.
Increased Hotel Demand in Zhangjiajie
South Koreans, and other tourists, are now traveling to Zhangjiajie in greater numbers, steadily improving the local hospitality sector. Hotels, resorts, and guesthouses during peak arrival periods see increased stays and resulting hospitality sector improvements in service. These improvements are specifically to service South Koreans who have now become the primary segment of international tourist arrivals.
Some hotels focus on meeting South Korean visitors’ needs by accommodating Korean employees, offering Korean cuisine, and providing visitors’ needs. Recognizing the rise in demand for top-quality overseas standard accommodation, major international hoteliers including Hilton, Sheraton, and Marriott have invested in the hospitality business in Zhangjiajie. Besides these international hotels, local hotels are also modernizing their facilities and offering services in anticipation of new visitors.
Recently there has been the construction of more luxurious high-end resorts that offer, among other things, spa services, fine dining, and several guided tours of the prominent Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, which has distinctive sandstone pillars and amazing sceneries. These resorts, which focus on high-end clients from both China and abroad, provide a range of options for high-end travelers who want to relax and enjoy some beautiful nature with grandeur.
The construction of new hotels and resorts and the expansion of facilities in the hospitality industry are responses to this development. The use of eco-friendly practices is an industry standard, which has been put in place to protect the environment around Zhangjiajie and respond to the emerging trend of eco-sustainable travel.
Important Information for Tourists Travelling to Zhangjiajie
To ensure a memorable experience, tourists going to Zhangjiajie should note a few essential details beforehand, for a hassle-free experience.
When to Go to Zhangjiajie
The best time to visit Zhangjiajie is from spring to autumn, as the weather is pleasant and the beauty of the scenery is at its best. During spring (from April to June), the greenery is lush while a variety of flowers bloom. Autumn (September to November) is the season for changing foliage, the perfect weather, and brilliant outdoor activities. Summer is hot while winter season brings cold, yet both are perfect for unique experiences for those who enjoy solitude and fewer crowds.
Flights and Airports
For those looking to fly to Zhangjiajie, the most convenient flights are from Seoul, South Korea as there are several direct flights every week. Different options for flights are offered by Korean Air, Asiana Airlines and Jeju Air, as they all have direct flights from Incheon International Airport to Zhangjiajie Hehua International Airport. Direct flights are roughly 4 hours long.
Zhangjiajie Hehua International Airport recently expanded their facilities with new shops and lounges and with renovations to cater for the growing number of international tourists. Newly arriving tourists have newly modern facilities with restaurants and shops for their convenience. Airport staff also arranged for arriving guests to have nice and quick transportation for their hotels and for exploring the city.
Getting Around Zhangjiajie
There are numerous ways of getting around the city. There are cheap and good public transport like buses and taxis, and there are also transport services that hotels offer to places like airports and major tourist sites. Transport services help tourist to have convenient access, and to avoid stress of trying to use and understand the public transport system.
Due to the size of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, tourists may want to consider gotten a guided tour for the natural sites. Most tour companies provide transport and a tour guide to major landmarks with permits like the Glass Bridge and the Avatar Hallelujah Mountains, famous for the movie “Avatar.”
Travel Tips for South Korean Tourists
Language: While most hotels and tourist attractions in Zhangjiajie are accommodating to Korean tourists, learning a few phrases in Mandarin can be helpful for easier communication in rural areas.
Currency: The Chinese Yuan (CNY) is used in the country. It is best to have some cash on hand for small purchases as smaller shops may not take credit cards. However, most hotels and bigger businesses will take international credit cards.Dining: South Korean tourists can find Korean-style restaurants in Zhangjiajie, especially in tourist hotspots and hotel complexes. Tourists can also find Chinese food and try local dishes like hotpot and dumplings.Safety: Zhangjiajie is very safe for tourists, but like any place in the world, certain precautions should be taken. You should watch your belongings and stay clear of too many people.Health and Travel Insurance: You should get travel insurance to cover any medical emergencies that may occur. Bring any prescribed medication and check to see if any vaccines are needed to enter the country.The Future of Zhangjiajie’s Tourism Industry
In the coming years, the Zhangjiajie area will further develop its tourism industry, especially upon the arrival of more South Korean and international tourists to this breathtaking scenery. The combination of the area’s location, natural beauty, and ties with South Korea will help provide Zhangjiajie’s tourism industry with numerous opportunities to develop. Developments to hospitality and tourism infrastructure, new attractions, and the ongoing expansions of Zhangjiajie’s flight routes will secure Zhangjiajie’s prominence within the tourism industry across other Chinese cities.
In the years to come, Zhangjiajie will continue to benefit from the two countries’ tourism and cultural interchange, especially with the increased South Korean tourism to the area. The new attractions in combination with the increased South Korean cultural and eco-tourism will sustain the growth and development of Zhangjiajie’s tourism sector. There’s no doubt the growth in number of flights to South Korea will continue to improve tourism and cultural interchange to the area.
South Korea’s growing tourism to Zhangjiajie has spurred expanded flights by Korean airlines and increased hotel demand, making it a top destination in China. With the rise in South Korean visitors, both air travel and hospitality industries are thriving, enhancing the city’s appeal.
Wrapping Up
The increased relationship between Zhangjiajie and South Korea has been mutually beneficial. South Korean visitors are appreciating Zhangjiajie’s natural beauty and the city is gaining economically from the boost to its tourism. With the growth of airline routes and hotels adapted to western standards, Zhangjiajie is easily accessible to South Koreans and other international travelers.
For first time and repeat travelers, Zhangjiajie is an appealing combination of ease of travel, tourism opportunities, and the beauty of the natural surroundings. Zhangjiajie has undergone, and continues to undergo, improvements that will allow it to serve its visitors well in the coming years.
