Seoul, South Korea / RankWire.AI / – The Republic of Korea saw nearly 2 million international travelers arrive in June, marking a significant milestone as the total number of foreign visitors entering the country in the first six months surpassed 10 million. Data released by the Emirates News Agency confirmed that Korea’s foreign tourist arrivals exceeded this threshold in H1, driven by consistent double-digit growth from key regional markets. Figures from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism show that June alone welcomed 1.99 million foreign tourists, a 23.1 percent rise compared to the same month last year. This strong monthly increase pushed the total visitor count for the first half of the year to 10.71 million, reflecting a 21.3 percent rise from the 8.8 million recorded during the same period in 2025 and surpassing pre-pandemic levels from 2019 by 26.9 percent.
Throughout the first half of the year, East Asian neighboring countries continued to be the primary sources of growth for South Korea’s tourism industry. Data on inbound arrivals shows that mainland China remained the leading source, with 650,000 visitors arriving in June and recording the fastest year-on-year growth among major source countries. The cumulative arrivals from China for January through June reached 3.21 million. Japan ranked as the second-largest inbound market, contributing 350,000 visitors in June and totaling 1.95 million travelers over six months. Taiwan held its position as the third-largest source, bringing in 220,000 visitors in June and reaching a total of 1.15 million inbound visitors for the first half of the year.
Diversification beyond traditional East Asian markets has added further momentum to South Korea’s tourism recovery. Official entry data indicates that long-haul arrivals from North America hit 220,000 in June, with the United States accounting for 177,744 of those visitors, boosting the total American inbound figure to 810,000 in the first half. European countries collectively brought in 120,000 visitors during June, while the six main Southeast Asian origin nations, including the Philippines, contributed a combined 230,000 travelers. Officials noted that visitor numbers from both Taiwan and the United States experienced particularly strong growth, increasing by over 160 percent compared to baseline figures from the first half of 2019, prior to the travel restrictions imposed during the pandemic.
Mainland China and Japan Drive Regional Tourist Growth
Transport data revealed that commercial air travel remained the primary route for inbound travelers, with 1.74 million foreign arrivals by air in June. Notably, international entry patterns showed a shift away from Seoul’s main gateways, as regional airports experienced rapid growth relative to the capital’s major airports. The number of arrivals through regional air hubs, including Gimhae International Airport in Busan, Daegu International Airport, Jeju International Airport, and Cheongju International Airport, rose 42.5 percent year-on-year to reach 395,246 visitors in June. This growth significantly outpaced the 18.2 percent increase seen at primary airports in Seoul, such as Incheon International Airport and Gimpo International Airport.
The notable rebound in international arrivals has resulted in record-breaking revenue for Korea’s hospitality and retail sectors during the first half of the year. Data from the Korea Tourism Organization show that foreign visitor credit card expenditures exceeded 6.8 billion U.S. dollars, marking an all-time high for tourism income. Industry analysts observed that Korea’s foreign tourist arrivals surpassed 10 million in H1, with total spending reaching the 6.8 billion U.S. dollar milestone about three months earlier than in 2025, when such expenditures didn’t break that threshold until September.
Chinese Tourist Numbers Continue to Lead Travel Growth
Officials in charge of tourism credit the ongoing growth in inbound travelers to targeted policy adjustments, increased flight capacities, and the rising global popularity of Korean cultural exports. Measures such as extending temporary visa exemptions for organized Chinese tour groups and restoring international flight routes have facilitated easier access for short-term visitors. Reports from the Seoul AI Foundation indicate that foreign tourists are increasingly exploring areas beyond traditional capital landmarks, leading to double-digit increases at outdoor markets, cultural sites, and hiking spots like Achasan and Dongdaemun Design Plaza.
Reaching the 10 million arrival mark before mid-year bolsters government forecasts of attracting between 22 million and 23 million international tourists by year’s end. Officials expect the momentum of inbound travel to intensify in the second half, supported by peak summer holidays, autumn festivals, and more international flights connecting regional airports with major Asian cities. With foreign arrivals already exceeding pre-pandemic levels by nearly 27 percent, tourism agencies continue collaborating with hospitality providers, local governments, and transport operators to maintain infrastructure capacity and expand regional travel options nationwide.