South Korea received an estimated 18.94 million foreign visitors as of Oct. 27, surpassing its previous annual record, according to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.
Foreign arrivals increased by 21.5% year on year in the first nine months of the year.
Visitor numbers from most major markets rose: by 29.1% from Greater China, 16.9% from Japan, 15.3% from Southeast Asia, and 15.1% from Europe and the Americas, according to ministry data.
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Visitors wearing traditional hanbok walk through Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul, South Korea. Photo by Pexels |
Foreign visitors’ spending rose by 47.7% year-on-year in January-September.
Shopping accounted for the largest share at 37%, followed by accommodation at 19.6% and medical and wellness services at 16.6%The Herald Business newspaper reported.
The ministry attributed the increase to more flights, eased visa requirements, improved transport convenience, and stronger overseas marketing, The Korea Herald reported.
It expects around 1.94 million foreign visitors in November at the current pace.
In a press release on Oct. 27, Culture Minister Chae Hwi-young said breaking the record early has brought the government’s year-end target of 23 million visitors within reach.