[비즈한국] Global interest in Korea is growing, with the number of foreign tourists visiting the country hitting an all-time high. According to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the total number of foreign tourists who visited Korea from January to August of this year reached 15.05 million, a 21.6% increase from the 12.38 million recorded during the same period last year. In August alone, the number of visitors reached 2.25 million, an increase of 23.3% compared to the same month last year, with both monthly and cumulative figures reaching record highs. Given this trend, it is expected that the number of visitors will surpass the 15 million mark by mid-October.
Looking at the nationalities of visitors this year, the increase in travelers from the Greater China region, particularly Taiwan, stood out. The number of Taiwanese tourists reached approximately 1.65 million, a 32% increase compared to the same period last year. Visitors from Southeast Asian countries also saw significant growth, with numbers rising by 22.5% for Indonesia, 16.1% for the Philippines, and 14.9% for Thailand.
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism interpreted the easing of visa requirements for Southeast Asian countries as having a positive impact. Since March 30 of this year, multiple-entry visa requirements have been relaxed for 11 Southeast Asian countries, including the Philippines, Vietnam, and Indonesia. Additionally, a temporary visa-free entry program for Indonesian group tourists was implemented on a trial basis starting May 28. Concentrating on spreading content through social media and influencers in overseas markets, as well as supporting airline ticket promotions, also appears to have been effective.
As the number of visitors has grown, foreign spending has also increased significantly. As of August this year, credit card spending by foreigners in the tourism sector reached 14.018 trillion won. This is a 48.5% surge from the 9.4396 trillion won recorded during the same period last year, marking the highest level since the data began to be tracked.
Kang Jeong-won, head of the Tourism Policy Office at the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, stated, "As October, the 'Travel Month,' is a period when we see the most foreign visitors, we will carefully manage entry procedures such as visa issuance and airport and port processing, and continue to strengthen marketing linked to 'K-Culture' to maintain the high level of enthusiasm for visiting Korea throughout the fourth quarter."