SEOUL - The number of foreign visitors entering South Korea increased by more than 20 per cent in the first five months of this year, reflecting continued growth in tourism demand and international travel, as reported by The Korea Times.
According to the Incheon Airport Immigration Office, a total of 22.13 million people entered South Korea between January and May.
The figure represented an 11.1 per cent increase from 19.92 million recorded during the same period in 2025, which was driven largely by foreign visitors.
The number of South Korean nationals returning to the country rose 5.5 per cent to 13.12 million.
Foreign arrivals, meanwhile, surged 20.4 per cent from 7.49 million to 9.01 million.
The increase amounted to more than 1.52 million additional foreign visitors compared with the same period last year.
Authorities said the growth in arrivals was broadly distributed across multiple source markets rather than relying on a single country.
However, visitors from China and Taiwan recorded particularly strong increases.
China and Taiwan ranked first and second, respectively, in year-on-year growth among major source markets.
They were followed by Japan, the United States and Vietnam.
China also overtook Japan to become South Korea’s largest source of foreign visitors.
From January to May, arrivals from China reached 2.69 million.
Japanese arrivals totalled 1.62 million during the same period.
Officials noted that overall cross-border travel in 2025 had already reached 98.32 million, surpassing the pre-pandemic record of 93.54 million set in 2019.
Industry observers attributed the increase to several factors, including the spring travel season and the continued global popularity of Korean popular culture.
They also pointed to K-Pop group BTS-related events held in Seoul during March and April.
Foreign arrivals reportedly increased by around 26 per cent during BTS-related events organised in the Gwanghwamun area in April.
Observers also cited the success of “K-Pop Demon Hunters,” which helped boost international interest in visiting South Korea.
The weak Korean won has also made South Korea a more attractive destination for international tourists, which increases the purchasing power of foreign visitors, making travel, shopping and accommodation relatively more affordable.
South Korea’s tourism industry has experienced a strong recovery following the Covid-19 pandemic, supported by the revival of international flights, visa facilitation measures and the enduring global appeal of Korean popular culture, often referred to as the “Korean Wave” or Hallyu.
Cultural exports such as K-pop, television dramas and films have become significant drivers of tourism demand.
China was historically South Korea’s largest source of foreign visitors before the pandemic.
Visitor numbers from China declined sharply following travel restrictions and geopolitical tensions but have gradually recovered as international travel resumed.
