Japan in a day- why South Korean tourists are flocking to TsushimaーNHK WORLD-JAPAN NEWS

It's no secret that foreign visitors are flocking to Japan in record numbers. Many of them are South Korean. While plenty are heading major hot spots like Tokyo, one small island is seeing a big boost. NHK World's Kim Chan-joo tells us more. These South Koreans have big plans for their Japan vacations. We're going to have sushi, do some shopping, ride bikes and visit the beach. It's amazing that we can do it all in just one day. I am very happy because I can go and come back the same day. A day trip to Japan? Enjoying sushi, bike riding and the beach in one day? Well, it's possible. Because they're visiting Tsushima Island. It sits between the Korean peninsula and Japan's Kyushu region. It's only 50 kilometers from Busan, just over an hour by ferry. That's made it a big hit with South Korean tourists. But it wasn't always the case. In 2019, the relationship between the two countries soured. But as things improved, so did the tourist numbers. Last year, over 260,000 South Koreans visited Tsushima. That's 10 times the island's population. The fact that it's easy to visit has made it especially appealing to Gen Z. It is a little difficult to take weekdays off. But this is just right for a one-night, two-day stay. It's also quieter and less crowded than Osaka, Fukuoka or Tokyo. This man runs a short-term rental on the island. He's a South Korean himself and says he's seen the tourism industry change. While they used to cater largely to group tours, now... There's a lot more individual tourists since the pandemic. Especially young South Koreans who want to ride a bike around the island. We've had to get more bicycles for them. It's also given a boost to the local food industry. This sushi restaurant owner says the improved relations was a turning point. Since then, he's seen a 50 percent increase in South Korean visitors. He even made a Korean menu to accommodate them. It's fresh and tastes good. The owner says business is going so well, they even offer a free dish to repeat customers. Tsushima is right on the border and especially close to Korea. I think working together with the Korean side is beneficial for everyone. It's having a ripple effect on the rest of the island's industries. Restaurants need supply to meet demand, which is good news for the local fishing sector. I find young South Korean people polite. I think these young tourists will help revitalize the island. Their hope is that tourism will not only benefit both sides, but potentially bring them closer together. Kim Chan-joo, NHK World.