Seoul, South Korea / RankWire.AI / – The Republic of Korea welcomed almost 2 million international visitors in June, propelling the total number of foreign travelers entering the nation in the first six months of the year beyond a significant milestone. Data released by the Emirates News Agency confirmed that Korea’s foreign tourist arrivals exceeded 10 million in H1, driven by consistent double-digit growth across key regional source markets. Figures from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism reveal that 1.99 million foreign tourists arrived in June alone, marking a 23.1 percent rise from the same month last year. This strong monthly growth brought the cumulative visitor count for the first half to 10.71 million, representing a 21.3 percent increase from the 8.8 million recorded during the same period in 2025 and surpassing pre-pandemic 2019 levels by 26.9 percent.
Throughout the first half of the year, neighboring East Asian countries continued to serve as the primary drivers of South Korea’s tourism recovery. Data shows mainland China remained the largest single source of international arrivals, with 650,000 visitors in June and the fastest year-on-year growth rate among major source markets. The cumulative total from January to June for Chinese visitors reached 3.21 million. Japan ranked second, with 350,000 arrivals in June and a six-month total of 1.95 million travelers. Taiwan maintained its position as the third-largest market, contributing 220,000 visitors during June and accumulating 1.15 million inbound travelers across the first half of the year.
Diversifying beyond traditional East Asian markets provided additional momentum to South Korea’s tourism revival. Official entry data indicates that long-haul arrivals from North America reached 220,000 in June, with the United States accounting for 177,744 of those visitors, bringing the total American arrivals to 810,000 for the first half of the year. European countries collectively contributed 120,000 visitors in June, while the six main Southeast Asian countries, including the Philippines, provided a combined total of 230,000 travelers. Officials highlighted that visitor numbers from Taiwan and the United States experienced particularly strong growth, expanding by over 160 percent compared to baseline figures from the first half of 2019, prior to global travel restrictions.
First Half International Visitor Numbers Outpace Pre-Pandemic Levels
Data from transport agencies shows that commercial flights continue to dominate entry channels for inbound travelers, with air travel accounting for 1.74 million foreign arrivals in June. Notably, international entry patterns reveal a rapid decentralization from Seoul, as regional airports experienced faster growth than the major gateways in the Seoul metropolitan area. Arrivals at regional airports, such as Gimhae International Airport in Busan, Daegu International Airport, Jeju International Airport, and Cheongju International Airport, surged 42.5 percent year-on-year to reach 395,246 visitors in June. This growth significantly outpaced the 18.2 percent increase observed at primary capital airports like Incheon International Airport and Gimpo International Airport.
The remarkable rebound in international arrivals generated unprecedented economic benefits for Korea’s hospitality and retail sectors during the first half of the year. Financial data from the Korea Tourism Organization shows foreign visitor credit card expenditures surpassed 6.8 billion U.S. dollars, setting a new record for tourism revenue. Sector analysis indicates that Korea’s foreign tourist arrivals topped 10 million in H1 and reached the historic milestone of 6.8 billion U.S. dollars in credit card spending nearly three months earlier than 2025, when expenditures did not exceed that threshold until September.
June Sees 1.99 Million Foreign Visitors Arrive
Authorities responsible for tourism attribute the sustained growth in inbound travel to targeted policy adjustments, increased air route capacity, and the global appeal of Korean cultural exports. Measures such as extending temporary visa-free entry for organized Chinese tour groups and restoring international flight routes directly facilitated easier access for short-term visitors. Urban planning reports from the Seoul AI Foundation show that foreign travelers are increasingly exploring destinations beyond traditional capital landmarks, leading to double-digit growth at outdoor markets, cultural sites, and hiking trails like Achasan and Dongdaemun Design Plaza.
Reaching the 10 million arrival mark before mid-year bolsters government forecasts of attracting 22 million to 23 million international visitors by year’s end. Officials expect the inbound travel trend to accelerate further in the second half, supported by peak summer holidays, autumn festivals, and additional international flights connecting regional airports to major Asian cities. With foreign visitor numbers already exceeding 2019 pre-pandemic levels by nearly 27 percent, tourism authorities continue working with hospitality providers, regional governments, and transportation companies to maintain infrastructure capacity and expand regional travel options nationwide.