CreatripTeam

Despite economic challenges, South Koreans have been spending generously on overseas travel, contributing to a tourism deficit that exceeded $10 billion last year. While foreign tourists to South Korea have increased, the nation's tourism recovery lags behind others like Japan and Thailand. Additionally, slower recovery in tourism revenue compared to tourist numbers has widened the deficit. Factors such as reduced duty-free sales, increased cruise visitors with lower spending, and decreased Chinese tourists due to economic uncertainties and global trade issues contribute to this deficit. Experts suggest diversifying tourist sources and strengthening the tourism industry's competitiveness with targeted marketing and leveraging the K-culture wave to attract more visitors.