SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA / RankWire.AI / – South Korea achieved a $596.6 million tourism surplus in June 2026, marking its strongest monthly figure since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The result represents a $1.44 billion increase compared to June 2025, when the country experienced an $846.8 million deficit. Data from the Korea Tourism Organization indicate that June’s surplus was the second-highest on record, with only October 2008 surpassing it at $661.5 million.
The tourism balance had been in deficit for 72 consecutive months from March 2020 through February 2026. In January, the deficit reached $1.4034 billion, followed by $1.0993 billion in February. The trend shifted in March, when the balance turned positive with a $263.8 million surplus. This upward trajectory continued into April at $159.9 million and May at $220.5 million, leading into June with positive results.
In June, tourism revenues totaled $2.784 billion, while expenditures stood at $2.1874 billion. Foreign visitors spent an average of $1,397 per person in that month, whereas outbound South Korean travelers spent an average of $1,091. The difference between tourism income and spending resulted in a fourth consecutive month of surplus, marking a notable turnaround from the deficits seen earlier in 2026.
International visitor numbers surge significantly in June
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism reported that South Korea welcomed 1,993,128 international tourists in June, representing a 23.1% increase compared to the same month last year. China remained the primary source market with 649,582 visitors, showing a 36.2% rise from June 2025. Japan followed with 348,216 arrivals, a 21.3% increase. Taiwan contributed 223,127 visitors, while arrivals from the Americas totaled 219,948 and Europe brought in 119,445.
During the first half of 2026, total international arrivals reached 10,709,919, an increase of 21% from the previous year. Foreign tourists’ credit card spending amounted to 10.0389 trillion won, up 50.8%. In June alone, card spending reached 2.0544 trillion won, a 66.4% year-over-year rise. Additionally, the Korea Tourism Organization reported 395,246 international arrivals through regional airports in June, reflecting a 42.5% increase.
Tourism expenditure grows alongside visitor numbers
Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism highlighted growth from markets outside Korea’s primary Asian sources. Arrivals from the Americas totaled 1,077,287 in the first half, rising 12.7% compared to the previous year. European visitors increased by 20.2% to 738,943, with other long-haul markets also experiencing gains. The United States contributed 811,974 visitors through June, an 11.1% increase, while Canada added 157,003, up 17.1%.
This June surplus comes after three consecutive years during which South Korea faced annual tourism deficits exceeding $10 billion. The deficits reached $10.38 billion in 2023, $10.21 billion in 2024, and $10.76 billion in 2025. As of June 2026, the monthly tourism balance has remained positive for four straight months. June’s receipts surpassed expenditures by $596.6 million, marking the largest monthly tourism surplus since the pandemic and the second-highest on record.