No Flights to Jeju Despite Having Enough Money: What’s Going On?
5월 제주 항공권 구하기 ‘하늘의 별 따기’…왜?
Table of Contents
5월 황금연휴와 수학여행 시즌이 겹치면서 제주행 항공권 확보 경쟁이 치열해지고 있습니다. 평소 10만원대였던 편도 운임이 20만원대로 껑충 뛰고, 연휴 마지막 날 항공권은 매진되는 등 어려움을 겪는 사람들이 속출하고 있습니다.
원인 분석:
황금연휴: 근로자의 날, 어린이날, 대체공휴일이 포함된 최장 6일의 황금연휴로 국내 여행 수요가 폭발적으로 증가했습니다.
수학여행 특수: 5월은 전통적으로 수학여행 시즌으로, 제주를 찾는 학생들이 많아 항공편과 숙소 예약이 어렵습니다.
일본 여행 경비 증가: 일본 골든위크 기간 동안 일본 여행 경비가 증가하면서 국내 여행으로 수요가 몰리는 현상이 나타났습니다.
항공편 감소: 코로나19 이전 대비 제주 국내선 항공편 운항 편수가 감소하면서 항공권 예약난을 더욱 심화시키고 있습니다.
수치로 보는 상황:
지난해 5월 제주 방문객 수: 126만 7892명 (월별 기준 8월 다음으로 많음)
2022년 제주국제공항 국내선 항공기 운항 편수: 17만 1754편
2023년 제주국제공항 국내선 항공기 운항 편수: 16만 1632편
2024년 제주국제공항 국내선 항공기 운항 편수: 15만 6533편 (2년 만에 8.8% 감소)
결론:
5월 제주 여행을 계획하고 있다면 서둘러 항공권과 숙소를 예약해야 하며, 유연한 일정 조정이나 다른 여행지를 고려하는 것도 좋은 방법입니다.
Jeju Island in May: Why Are Flights So Expensive and Challenging to Book? (Q&A)
Planning a trip to Jeju Island in May? You’re not alone! May is a popular time to visit. However, securing flights and accommodation can be challenging. Here’s a breakdown of why Jeju flights are so expensive and difficult to book in May, along with tips to navigate the situation.
Why are Jeju Flights so Expensive in May?
Several factors contribute to the high cost and limited availability of flights to Jeju Island in May:
Golden holiday period: May includes a “golden holiday” period with days like labour Day, Children’s Day, and substitute holidays, creating a long weekend (up to 6 days) that drives up domestic travel demand significantly.
School Trip Season: May is traditionally a peak season for school trips,increasing the number of students traveling to Jeju and putting additional strain on flight and accommodation availability.
Increased Cost of Travel to Japan: Rising travel costs to Japan during the Japanese Golden week may divert travel demand towards domestic destinations like Jeju Island.
Reduced Flight Availability: Compared to pre-pandemic levels, the number of domestic flights operating to Jeju has decreased. This reduction exacerbates the difficulties in securing flight reservations.
How Much More Expensive Are Flights to Jeju in May?
Normally, a one-way ticket might cost around ₩100,000 (approx.$75-80 USD). However, during May, prices can jump to ₩200,000 (approx. $150-160 USD) or even higher.Flights on the last day of the holiday period are especially prone to selling out quickly.
Is Jeju Island Crowded in May?
Yes, Jeju Island is typically very crowded in May. Actually, May 2023 saw 1,267,892 visitors to Jeju Island. Only August sees more visitors throughout the year. This high volume of tourists impacts not only flight availability but also hotel occupancy and general crowding at popular attractions.
Are There Fewer Flights to Jeju Island than Before?
Yes, the number of domestic flights to Jeju Island has decreased in recent years. Here’s a comparison of flight operation numbers:
| Year | Number of Domestic Flights to Jeju International Airport | Change |
| —- | ——————————————————– | —— |
| 2022 | 171,754 | |
| 2023 | 161,632 | -5.9% |
| 2024 | 156,533 | -3.2% |
As these figures show, there has been an 8.8% reduction in flights to Jeju Island over a 2-year period. This reduction in flight volume contributes to the limited availability of tickets and inflated prices, especially during peak seasons.
How Can I Find Cheaper Flights to Jeju Island?
While securing cheap flights to Jeju in May can be challenging, here are some strategies to try:
Book in Advance: As soon as your travel dates are confirmed, book your flights and accommodation to avoid last-minute price surges and limited availability.
Be Flexible with Dates: If possible, adjust your travel dates to fly on weekdays or during off-peak times, which may be cheaper than traveling on weekends or during the holidays.
Consider Alternative Airports: Jeju City (CJU) is noted as the cheapest airport to possibly fly into.
Use Flight Comparison Websites: Use search engines like Skyscanner to compare prices across different airlines.
Check for Last-Minute deals: Airlines sometimes offer last-minute deals to fill empty seats, however, it’s risky because you may not find availability when you need it.
Consider Flights with Layovers: Indirect flights with layovers can sometimes be cheaper than direct flights, though less convenient.
What Are Some Alternative Destinations to Jeju Island?
If you’re struggling to find affordable flights or accommodation in Jeju during May, consider exploring some alternative domestic destinations that may be less crowded and more budget-amiable. Some examples include:
* Busan: A vibrant coastal city known for its beaches