Increased Bali Flights Brings Gen Z Backpackers Exciting Gap-Year Journeys

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A popular Bali-bound flight service will increase at the end of October, which is set to help more Gen Z backpackers, and in fact, backpackers of any age, explore all that Southeast and East Asia has to offer.

South Korea is emerging as a popular destination for young backpackers, and this new flight service will connect travelers with ease. 

On the 20th of October 2024, Korean Air will increase its direct flight service between I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport and Seoul Incheon International Airport to twice weekly.

The increase in flight frequency reflects the growing demand for travel between South Korea and Bali by both South Korean and Indonesian passport holders, but also by international travelers from around the world seeking to explore two culturally diverse destinations. 

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Country Manager for Korean Air in Indonesia, Tae Soek Lee, told reporters, “We will provide more seats in Indonesia and better service.”

This all comes as South Korea seeks to deepen its relationship with Indonesia. Lee added, “The diplomatic relationship between Indonesia and South Korea has been going on for 50 years, and we are happy to have a part.”

With increased flight services from the end of next month, Lee and his teams are anticipating an influx of South Korean tourists booking trips to Bali.

The increased flight service will be in place until 27th March 2025, with the possibility of the twice-weekly flight schedule becoming a permanent feature in Denpasar.

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Lee told reporters, “We are increasing the frequency of Bali service to two daily flights and bringing our newest wide-body aircraft to show our commitment not only to meet the increasing demand but also to remain competitive on this important route.”

He confirmed that Bali had become a top destination for South Korean tourists, who, like travelers from 91 other countries, can apply for a 30-day visa on arrival and an e-visa on arrival.

Lee explained, “This is not only about direct traffic between Korea and Indonesia. Many passengers choose to fly with us through our world-class hub at Terminal 2 Seoul Incheon, and this expansion increases the connectivity.”

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The increased Seoul-Bali flight service will be operated on Korea Air’s new Boeing 787-10 plane, which features 289 economy cabin seats and 36 Prestige Class seats in the business class section of the aircraft.

Korea Air also operates a daily flight route between Seoul Incheon International Airport and Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK) in Jakarta, which is operated on a Boeing 777-300ER aircraft.

The increased flight service is a welcome opportunity for backpackers to add a new and exciting emerging travel destination to their bucket list.

The well-trodden path around Southeast Asia includes tourist hotspots in countries such as Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, Indonesia, and the Philippines. 

With Korean culture increasingly of interest to young people in the West, whether it be K-Pop, K-Dramas, Korean food, and more, it makes sense that gap year backpackers want to add a stay in Seoul to their bucket list adventures. 

As Lee quite rightly pointed out, Seoul Incheon International Airport is a fantastic international transit hub, offering connections to all major cities worldwide, offering an alternative to cities like Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, and Hong Kong for backpackers, holidaymakers, and digital nomads traveling long haul to use as a launchpad for adventures in the region. 

Leaders in Bali have committed to attracting more Gen Z tourists to the island, improving international connectivity to the island, and reducing airfares for both domestic and international travelers.

Bali wants to see Gen Z tourists explore more off-path destinations in Bali and has noted the demographic’s desire to explore more spiritually led tourism opportunities. 

In a media interview in June 2024, the Indonesian Minister for Tourism and Creative Economies said that he is committed to ensuring Gen Z tourists in Bali can experience ‘interesting or healing places’ during their stay. 

Minister Uno explained, “[saving for a home] is important, but healing is super important for Gen Z. Gen Z, they no longer have to have once a year but once every two months if possible. This is also why we invite them to be a part of improving our tourism economy.”