South Korea sees record 4.76 million visitors in Q1

April 16 (Asia Today) -- South Korea welcomed a record 4.76 million foreign visitors in the first quarter, as strong demand for K-culture and expanded government tourism policies fueled a sharp rise in arrivals and spending.

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism said 4,759,471 foreign tourists visited the country from January through March, up 23% from a year earlier and the highest first-quarter total on record.

March alone saw about 2.06 million visitors, setting a monthly record. Officials cited a major concert by BTS in central Seoul as a key factor driving the surge.

Growth was led by visitors from Greater China. Arrivals from Taiwan rose 37.7% to about 540,000, while Chinese tourists increased 29% to 1.45 million. Japanese visitors climbed 20.2% to 940,000, and long-haul travelers from the United States and Europe reached 690,000, up 17.1%.

Tourism activity also expanded beyond Seoul, with regional travel, length of stay and spending all increasing.

Data showed the number of foreign visitors entering through regional airports rose 49.7% from a year earlier, while the share visiting non-capital areas reached 34.5%, up 3.2 percentage points. Rail travel by foreign tourists increased 46.4%, and arrivals through regional ports rose 6.1%, indicating a broader geographic spread of tourism.

Officials said the average stay in regional areas increased 36.2%, contributing to higher spending. Foreign card spending rose 23%, with regional consumption increasing 26.8%, suggesting tourism is helping boost domestic demand.

The ministry said the surge reflects coordinated efforts by the government and private sector. In February, officials unveiled a national strategy to transform inbound tourism and expand regional travel, aiming to convert global interest in K-culture into sustained visitor growth.

The government plans to attract 30 million foreign tourists annually by 2029, with a target of 23 million this year. South Korea recorded 18.94 million visitors in 2025, meaning arrivals would need to rise about 22% to meet the 2026 goal - a pace officials say is being met so far.

The policy push has also boosted cruise tourism. A total of 338 cruise ships docked at ports such as Jeju, Busan and Incheon in the first quarter, up 52.9% from a year earlier.

Authorities have expanded multiple-entry visas for travelers from 12 countries, including China, Vietnam and the Philippines, and increased access to automated immigration clearance systems. Efforts are also underway to improve regional transportation through public-private cooperation.

The ministry and the Korea Tourism Organization are stepping up overseas promotions, including "K-tourism roadshows" in key markets. Officials recently held tourism events in China and are targeting major Japanese cities such as Osaka, Tokyo and Fukuoka, while also expanding marketing efforts in Taiwan.

A tourism agency official said the rise in regional visits and spending is particularly encouraging and pledged continued efforts to diversify visitor markets and develop local attractions.

The government also plans to manage potential risks, including rising global oil prices, fuel surcharges and geopolitical uncertainty, to sustain the recovery in inbound tourism.

-- Reported by Asia Today; translated by UPI

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Original Korean report: https://www.asiatoday.co.kr/kn/view.php?key=20260416010005138

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This story was originally published April 16, 2026 at 1:36 PM.