Gone are the days of solo travelers and backpacking journeys. Halfway through 2025, the innovative Gen Z has actually found new exciting travel trends and preferences that are a lot safer, more fulfilling, and—of course—more fun!
But what are they? And how could these new trends possibly top the thrill and adventurous moments of backpacking? Join us as we peel through everything about this new Gen Z travel trends and preferences in 2025 and how this might be your new way of experiencing South Korea to the fullest!
New Travel Trends in 2025: Why Gen Z is Ditching the Backpack
If you’ve ever daydreamed about a spontaneous backpacking trip through Korea’s neon-lit streets or peaceful temples—only to get overwhelmed by safety concerns, planning stress, or the awkwardness of solo travel—you’re not alone.
Turns out, Gen Z feels the same.
But instead of ditching travel altogether, they’re rewriting the rulebook: replacing uncomfortable solo trips with small-group, experience-driven, age-specific tours that offer social connection without sacrificing personal freedom.
And yes, it’s a lot more appealing than it sounds.
This isn’t about dusty buses or cookie-cutter tours your parents dragged you on. It’s about choosing curated experiences with people who get you. These new Gen Z travel trends are often in smaller groups, with flexible options, and the added bonus of not having to think about logistics while still enjoying the adventures you crave.
The Shifting Preferences in Gen Z Travel Trends 2025
So, what are these 2025 travel trends Gen Z adore so much and how are they different, really?
Well, here are a few consistent patterns in Gen Z new travel preferences in 2025:
Comfort-First, No-Guilt Approach
First things first. For Gen Z, travel doesn’t need to be uncomfortable to be meaningful. They are openly embracing comfort—with well-reviewed hotels, pre-arranged transport, and curated dining included in their packages.
Pre-Made Friends Without Awkward Icebreakers
Secondly, we have the mingling tours in South Korea, which has done something traditional tours never did: they actually help you make friends along the way.
With group chats, shared themed activities, and social game sessions, you ease into a group dynamic naturally, especially great for first-time travelers.
Purpose-Driven Travel
Thirdly, Gen Z cares deeply about values-based travel. From K-pop themed tours, sports fandom trips, to eco-conscious cultural immersions, this generation aligns travel with what excites them beyond sightseeing.
Less FOMO, More Quality
And most importantly, no more exhausting trips trying to check off every palace in Seoul in 48 hours.
The focus now is on less but more: create the most meaningful memories even with minimum activities. For example, spending time at places like HiKR Ground, enjoying live performances, or taking part in K-beauty workshops that feel personal and memorable.
The Rising Stars of Gen Z Travel in Korea: Mingling Tours and Themed Packages
1. Mingling Tours: Friendships Built In
Forget about being the awkward solo traveler in a hostel common room. Mingling tours, especially popular in Korea, focus on creating small friend circles, matching participants by age group (mostly early 20s), and building connections even before you land via group chats. They even invite influencers as hosts of the theme trips.
These trips include:
- Team games during tours
- Ice-breaking sessions
- Free time for personal adventures
- Optional night-outs (karaoke, K-bar hopping, or casual dinners)
2. Interest-Based Group Travel
Why join a random sightseeing tour when you can book a trip that’s actually centered around your passions?
- K-pop tours: HiKR Ground visits, K-pop cafe crawls, live performance access.
- Football fan tours: Live EPL screenings, Son Heung Min stadium experiences.
- Eco tours: Market-to-table dining, heritage villages, climate-positive activities.
- Festival packages: Pre-arranged itineraries around major events like Busan Fireworks or Seoul Lantern Festival.
This is where Gen Z fun travel thrives—you bond over shared interests while ticking off bucket list experiences.
The Logistics: Easier, Safer, and Surprisingly Flexible
Gen Z travel preferences have one very practical foundation: reducing stress.
- No need to master Korean subway routes on Day 1—transport is arranged.
- Hotels already picked out for you—mostly 3- to 4-star, comfort guaranteed.
- Meals often included, and when not, your guides point you to local favorites.
- Local guides speak English, making things easier, especially for first-timers.
Now, you still want some personal exploration time? Sure thing! These tours blend guided activities with free periods, so you won’t feel like you’re stuck on a bus 24/7.
Gen Z Travel Trends 2025: Is It Cheaper Than Solo Travel?
Not always cheaper—but definitely more cost-effective. And that is especially crucial when you factor in the small things that usually drain your travel budget without you noticing. And here’s why:
No Unnecessary Extras
You skip unexpected extras like last-minute taxis when you miss a bus, or paying more because you didn’t know where to book your ticket. Everything’s scheduled, so there are fewer “oops” moments eating up your cash.
Group Rate Benefits
Group rates really add up—entry tickets, performances, and activities often cost less when booked in bulk, and you won’t even need to do the legwork to find those deals.
Goodbye Language Barriers and Logistics Issues
No extra spending on translations or mobile data. You’ve got guides handling the logistics and language barriers, so you don’t end up overpaying for convenience like instant translations or urgent local help.
Ultimate Travel Preferences for Gen Z in 2025
It’s especially great for solo travelers—many places charge higher rates if you book alone, especially for hotels. Group tours balance out those costs and save you from the “single traveler tax.”
This approach works especially well in Korea: while the subway is efficient, it’s easy to get turned around in a new city, and small delays can snowball into missed activities. With these tours, you skip the trial-and-error phase, saving both your budget and your mental energy.
You’ll Actually Enjoy the Company — Without Feeling Awkward
One of the quiet struggles of solo travel is those moments when you wish you had someone to share the experience with. That’s the point of these new 2025 travel trends and preferences from Gen Z. Isn’t is just refreshing to get that heartwarming social connection without those awkward moments and pressure?
Now, testimonies from people who have actually joined revealed that conversations just occur naturally in the tours, especially during meals or activities. So you can say goodbye to those awkward grins and forced handshakes during icebreakers.
Not only that, but since these tours are commonly held in small groups, it’s easier for you to actually get to know people without feeling overwhelmed.
Most importantly, you can have real shared experiences like food tours or local workshops, giving you instant common ground, even if you’re shy.
And so, by the time your trip wraps up, it feels more like you traveled with friends, not just random strangers—making your memories of Korea even more personal and meaningful.
Why This Gen Z Shift in Travel Preferences Makes Sense in 2025
Travel habits aren’t changing for no reason. Gen Z came of age in a world where things like safety, mental health, and meaningful connection matter more than ticking off landmarks. They’ve seen the downsides of doing it all alone—and now, they want something better.
That’s why group-based, interest-focused travel is gaining real traction. It takes the stress out of navigating new places, while still giving you those once-in-a-lifetime experiences—especially in Korea, where food, fashion, and pop culture are all part of the trip.
Thinking of Trying It?
Check out mingling tours or K-pop travel packages offered by Korean companies—or browse platforms like Klook and Trazy for Gen Z-friendly experiences.
If the idea of planning everything by yourself feels overwhelming, or you just want a trip that feels fuller and more connected, this new way of exploring might be exactly what you need.
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