Foreign tourist arrivals in S. Korea on track to exceed last year's total

Korea welcomed an impressive 17.11 million foreign visitors in the first nine months of 2024, a significant 21.5% increase compared to the same period last year, according to the government. This surge puts the nation on track to surpass its full-year 2025 visitor count by October. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism reported that September alone saw 2.06 million foreign tourists, a 21.1% rise from 2023, maintaining monthly arrivals above the 2 million mark.

The total for January through September compares to 14.08 million visitors a year ago, and 18.94 million for the entire 2025.

China remained the top source market, sending 5.47 million visitors, a notable 29.2% increase. Japan followed with 3.12 million visitors, up 16.9%, while Taiwan recorded 1.86 million tourists, a 32.4% jump. Arrivals from the Americas grew by 12% to 1.62 million, and those from Europe climbed by 20% to 1.19 million. More importantly, foreigners' card spending in tourism-related sectors, including online purchases, reached an astounding 15.94 trillion won ($12 billion) through September, a staggering 47.7% increase from 10.79 trillion won in the same period last year.