Busan Breaks Record with 1 Million Tourists in Just 4 Months
Creatrip Team
a year ago
From January to April 2025, Busan attracted over 1.06 million foreign tourists, marking the shortest time to reach this milestone. Taiwanese visitors were the largest group, driven by increased direct flights between Taiwan and Busan. The trend shows an increase in tourists entering Busan directly, rather than via Seoul, aligning with global free independent traveler (FIT) trends. The cruise sector saw significant growth, with a 70% rise in port visits compared to the previous year. However, challenges remain, such as extending cruise passenger stay times. Busan's new Gadukdo Airport (an island airport in Busan set to overcome current limitations of Gimhae Airport) is expected to further boost tourism once completed. Culinary branding through the Michelin Guide and major events like the Busan International Film Festival have made the city more attractive to visitors.
