The number of foreign tourists visiting South Korea this year is expected to surpass 18.7 million, marking an all-time high. This figure exceeds the previous record of 17.5 million set in 2019 and signals that the tourism sector has moved beyond post-pandemic recovery into a new phase of structural growth.
According to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the number of inbound tourists in 2025 is projected to exceed 18.7 million by year-end. After recording 15.35 million visitors in 2018 and 17.5 million in 2019, inbound tourism declined to 11.03 million in 2023. The sector rebounded to 16.37 million visitors in 2024 and is now set to achieve a historic peak this year.
To mark Tourism Day, the ministry held a related event under the theme “K-Tourism, Embracing the World.” At Incheon International Airport, Vice Minister Kim Dae-hyun welcomed the 18.5 millionth visitor, Singaporean national Charmaine Lee, presenting her with a traditional hanbok scarf and a bouquet. Lee said she had visited Korea more than 10 times and traveled this time to spend Christmas and the year-end holiday season in the country.
At the Tourism Day ceremony held the same day, the government honored tourism industry professionals who contributed to achieving the record number of inbound visitors this year. Government decorations were awarded to 23 individuals for their contributions to the promotion of the tourism industry. The Silver Tower Order of Industrial Service Merit was awarded to Yellow Balloon Tour Chairman Ko Jae-kyung, the Bronze Tower Order to Korean Air Vice Chairman Woo Kee-hong, and the Iron Tower Order to Hoban Hotel & Resort CEO Lee Jeong-ho. Ko was credited with creating up to 650 jobs and attracting 98,000 city tour bus users, while Woo led Korean Air to a record-high revenue of 17.8707 trillion won in 2024. Lee contributed to regional economic growth through industry-academia cooperation and new employment.
Another notable feature of this year’s growth is its balanced nature across regions. Inbound tourism increased steadily not only from neighboring markets such as China, Japan, and Taiwan, but also from Asia and the Middle East, as well as Europe, the Americas, and Oceania. Growth from China was driven by female travelers in their 20s and 40s, group tours, and younger travelers, while Taiwan recorded a 27 percent year-on-year increase fueled by regional tourism and the spread of K-culture. Japan is expected to reach a record 3.61 million visitors, the highest in 13 years, supported by repeat visits from women in their 20s and 30s. Asia and the Middle East, as well as Europe, the Americas, and Oceania, also saw growth of 11.8 percent and 14 percent, respectively, driven by customized local marketing and expanded air routes.
In time terms, the total of 18.7 million inbound visitors means that approximately one person entered Korea every 1.68 seconds. In a video address, Prime Minister Kim Min-seok expressed gratitude to overseas tourists visiting Korea and pledged to build an advanced tourism nation growing alongside the K-culture industry.
Reported by News Culture M.J._mj94070777@nc.press
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