By Hong Soon-do, Beijing correspondent, AsiaToday - Large numbers of Chinese tourists - known commonly by the Chinese word "youke" - are visiting Korea over the Labor Day holidays, one of the biggest holidays in China. Although the economy is not in good shape these days, tourism industry inside and outside China will be enjoying increased demands during the upcoming holiday season. This year, more than 100,000 Chinese travelers are expected to come to Korea.

Beijing Capital International Airport is crowded already, ahead of theLabor Day holidays. More than 100,000 Chinese are expected to come to Koreaduring the holiday season./ Source from search engine Baidu

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According to tourism industry insiders in Beijing on Tuesday, the number of official Labor Day holiday is only three days (April 30 through May 2). It might seem like an exaggeration talking about increased demands during the holidays. However, if you consider that China's holiday season can be extended up to 10 days adding up unofficial holidays, then it's a different story. In fact, many companies based in major cities nationwide including Beijing, allow to give their employees off starting on April 28. Some companies and organizations are expected to even allow their employees enjoy the holiday season until Mother's Day on May 8. Guwei, CEO at Aojia Travel Agency, said, "Most of our sightseeing products travelling to Korea have been sold already in early April."

While Chinese tourists heading to Japan are expected to decrease, the number of Chinese visitors to Korea are expected to jump. It seems the recent earthquake in Kumamoto inevitably affected Chinese travelers' destination. Besides, the positive influence of Korea's megahit drama "Descendants of the Sun" attracted Chinese visitors to Korea. Moreover, Korean cosmetics and fashion goods, that are incredibly popular among Chinese women in their 20s and 30s, are expected to draw large number of youkes to Korea as well. Xu Ming, CEO of Beijing-based travel agency Asdal, said, "I believe at least 150,000 Chinese will visit Korea from the end of April to May 8. In the case of our company, most of our employees are in Korea." It seems clear that China's Labor Day holiday season is a boon to both China and Korea.