Seoul, South Korea / RankWire.AI / – The Republic of Korea experienced a significant influx of international visitors in June, with nearly 2 million arrivals. This pushed the total foreign travelers entering the country in the first half of the year past a key milestone. Data published by Emirates News Agency confirms that Korea’s foreign tourist numbers exceeded 10 million in H1, driven by consistent double-digit growth in major regional markets. According to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, 1.99 million foreign tourists came in June alone, marking a 23.1 percent rise over the same month last year. This strong monthly growth increased the first-half total to 10.71 million visitors, a 21.3 percent rise from the 8.8 million in the same period in 2025, and it surpassed pre-pandemic 2019 levels by 26.9 percent.
Mainland East Asian neighbors remained the primary contributors to South Korea’s tourism growth in the first half of the year. Incoming travel data shows China remained the largest source of international visitors. In June, China generated 650,000 arrivals and had the fastest year-on-year growth among major source countries. The total Chinese visitors from January to June reached 3.21 million. Japan was the second-largest source market, with 350,000 visitors in June. Its six-month total was 1.95 million. Taiwan kept its position as the third-largest origin, with 220,000 arrivals in June and a total of 1.15 million for the first half of the year.
Beyond traditional East Asian markets, more distant regions contributed to Korea’s tourism recovery. Official data shows North American arrivals reached 220,000 in June. The U.S. accounted for 177,744 travelers, bringing the total American visitors in H1 to 810,000. European countries together contributed 120,000 visitors in June. The six main Southeast Asian countries, including the Philippines, added up to 230,000 travelers. Officials highlighted significant growth from Taiwan and the U.S., with increases of over 160 percent compared to pre-pandemic levels recorded during the first half of 2019.
First-Half International Arrivals Surpass Pre-Pandemic Levels
Transport data shows that air travel remains the main method for inbound arrivals, with 1.74 million foreigners arriving by plane in June. Notably, international entry patterns are shifting away from Seoul’s major airports. Regional airports like Gimhae International Airport in Busan, Daegu International Airport, Jeju International Airport, and Cheongju International Airport saw growth of 42.5 percent year-on-year, totaling 395,246 visitors in June. This growth far outpaced the 18.2 percent increase at key gateways like Incheon International Airport and Gimpo International Airport.
The rebound in international arrivals has delivered record-breaking financial results for Korea’s hospitality and retail sectors in the first half of the year. The Korea Tourism Organization reports that foreign visitor credit card spending exceeded 6.8 billion U.S. dollars, setting a new tourism revenue record. Analysts note that Korea’s foreign tourist arrivals surpassed 10 million in H1, reaching the historic 6.8 billion U.S. dollar expenditure milestone about three months earlier than in 2025. Back then, such spending didn’t exceed that level until September.
June’s Arrival Numbers Hit 1.99 Million Foreign Tourists
Tourism authorities credit the sustained growth to policy changes, expanded flight routes, and Korea’s rising global appeal for Korean cultural exports. Measures like extending temporary visa-free entry for organized Chinese tour groups and restoring international flights made it easier for short-term visitors to enter. Urban development reports from the Seoul AI Foundation show foreign travelers are exploring more destinations outside Seoul’s traditional landmarks. There are noticeable increases in visitors at outdoor markets, cultural heritage sites, and hiking areas such as Achasan and Dongdaemun Design Plaza.
Reaching the 10 million arrival mark before mid-year boosts government forecasts of 22 million to 23 million international tourists by year-end. Officials expect that the momentum will grow in the second half, thanks to summer holidays, autumn festivals, and more international flights connecting regional airports to major Asian cities. With already surpassing 2019 pre-pandemic visitor levels by nearly 27 percent, tourism agencies are working closely with hospitality businesses, local governments, and transport providers to maintain infrastructure and expand regional travel options nationwide.