Busan nears 4 mil. foreign visitor mark after beating 2025 total in 9 months

Long considered a picturesque coastal secondary destination for global travelers seeking to explore beyond Seoul, South Korea's second-largest city is rapidly evolving into an independent international attraction. Thanks to expanded direct flights, increased cruise traffic, and a surge in foreign tourists, Busan welcomed 3.93 million visitors during the first nine months of 2026, according to the Busan Metropolitan Government.

This figure significantly exceeded the city's 3.64 million tourist count for the entire year of 2025, positioning it to surpass its annual goal of 4 million visitors well ahead of schedule. This milestone signifies a pivotal moment in Korea's broader strategy to distribute tourism away from the capital. Nationwide, international arrivals increased by 21.5 percent over the same period, but Busan experienced a remarkable 47 percent surge, more than double the national growth rate.

Unlike in previous years when foreign tourists typically entered Korea through Incheon International Airport before taking high-speed trains to Busan, travelers are now bypassing Seoul entirely. Nearly 63 percent of foreign visitors to Busan arrive directly at the city's Gwangju or Hansando ports.