South Korea has been a favorite destination for many travelers lately. South Korea has broken its annual record for international visitors this year, surpassing the visitor arrivals growth of two world-famous Asian countries, Japan and Thailand. With two months left in the year, the country is expected to surpass its previous record of 18.94 million visitors.
According to a report by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST), South Korea has recorded a provisional total of over 18.91 million international travelers as of October 26. It is expected to have crossed last year’s record by October 27. Tourism rose 21.5 percent from January to September, with a daily average of about 64,000.
South Korea has been breaking records, and its tourism has been growing, with arrivals up 21.5 percent. Meanwhile, Japan recorded a 2.9 percent decline in international arrivals, while Thailand saw a 3.8 percent drop over the same period.
How much have tourists been spending in South Korea?
The South Korean government credited the tourism upsurge to the rising popularity of Korean culture, more international flights and easier visa rules. Moreover, the report suggested that tourists are spending relatively more money in the country. International visitors spent 15.9 trillion won (approximately $12 billion) via card payments between January and September.
Compared with the same period last year, payments increased by 47.7 percent. Shopping accounted for the largest share, 37 percent, while accommodations accounted for only 19.6 percent, followed by medical and wellness services at 16.6 percent.
Over the last two months, the South Korean government has been working toward welcoming 23 million international tourists by the end of this year.
Which nationality visits South Korea the most?
According to The Straits Times, most people who travel to South Korea come from Mainland China. Around 5.47 million visitors came from mainland China between January and September, a 29.2 percent rise from the same period last year. Japan ranked as the second-largest source of visitors to South Korea; about 3.12 million Japanese arrived.
With South Korea seeing a massive rise in tourism, would you consider visiting? If you have been, what was your experience traveling there, and was it worth it?
