{
  "id": 19771593,
  "title": "20 mil. foreign visitors",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/13/20-mil-foreign-visitors-19771593",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-13T07:17:02.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Korea Times",
    "slug": "the-korea-times-koreatimes",
    "url": "https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/opinion/editorial/20261113/ed-20-mil-foreign-visitors"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Korea welcomed a record 20 million foreign visitors in the first quarter of 2023, with the country inching closer to its 2026 goal of welcoming 23 million tourists annually. This staggering figure reflects the growing significance of tourism in the nation's economy, as Koreans increasingly encounter an expanding range of international travelers in various settings, from upscale shops in Myeong-dong, Gangnam, and Seongsu-dong to local pharmacies, markets, and big-box retailers.\n\nThe visitor surge is not confined to Seoul alone; the southeastern port city of Busan anticipates hosting approximately 5 million foreign tourists this year, while the northeastern Gangwon Province entices visitors with its stunning beaches and mountainous landscapes. Jeju Island, a renowned traditional holiday destination, continues to attract both domestic and international tourists in droves.\n\nThe influx of international visitors injects diversity, curiosity, and revenue into Korea's economy. According to statistics, overseas tourists spent a total of $12 billion during the first nine months of the year, a remarkable 47.7% increase compared to the same period in 2022. Yonhap News Agency reported that commercial vacancies in major neighborhoods have also risen due to the increased demand for commercial spaces to cater to the needs of the growing tourist population.",
  "summary": "Korea saw the number of foreign visitors to the country hit 20 million Thursday, nearing its 2026 target of 23 million tourists. It is a monumental figure, considering that Korea first saw 10 million international visitors in 2014. Koreans can easily feel the growing range and presence of foreign visitors not only in the swanky shops of Myeong-dong, Gangnam and Seongsu-dong, but also at local…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}