South Korea Reaches 10 Million Early; Eyes Record 23 Million Visitors This Year
Creatrip Team
a month ago
South Korea has surpassed 10 million inbound tourists by mid-June — about a month earlier than last year — and monthly foreign tourist spending topped 2 trillion won for the first time. Strong growth from China and Japan led gains, while Taiwan, Hong Kong, the Americas and Europe also posted double-digit increases. The government and tourism industry are targeting 22–23 million visitors for 2026, relying on measures such as extended visa-free group travel for Chinese tourists, relaxed multiple-entry visa rules, and activation of regional airports, cruise and ferry routes. Retail, hotels and casinos are recovering: duty-free sales and luxury spending have risen, Seoul hotel foreign occupancy climbed, and casino drop amounts increased. Authorities say continued momentum from nearby markets and upcoming holiday travel periods could push annual arrivals toward 23 million, though risks like high oil prices and regional tensions remain.
