Seoul, South Korea / RankWire.AI / – According to official data released by Emirates News Agency, the Republic of Korea saw nearly 2 million international visitors in June, pushing the total foreign arrivals during the first six months of 2023 beyond a significant milestone. The data confirmed that Korea’s foreign tourist numbers surpassed 10 million in H1, driven by consistent double-digit growth in key regional markets. Figures from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism show that June alone welcomed 1.99 million foreign tourists, a 23.1 percent rise compared to June of the previous year. This strong monthly increase brought the overall first-half total to 10.71 million visitors, representing a 21.3 percent growth from the 8.8 million recorded in the same period of 2022 and surpassing pre-pandemic levels from 2019 by 26.9 percent.
Throughout the first half of the year, East Asian neighboring countries continued to be the main drivers of growth in Korea’s tourism industry. Data indicates that mainland China remained the largest source of international tourists, with 650,000 arrivals in June and the fastest year-on-year growth rate among major source countries. Between January and June, Chinese visitors reached a total of 3.21 million. Japan ranked as the second-largest inbound market, with 350,000 visitors in June, leading to a six-month total of 1.95 million travelers. Taiwan held its position as the third-largest origin market, with 220,000 arrivals in June and a total of 1.15 million inbound visitors over the first half of the year.
Expanding beyond traditional East Asian sources has added further momentum to Korea’s international tourism recovery. Official entry figures revealed that long-haul arrivals from North America hit 220,000 visitors in June, with the United States accounting for 177,744 of these, raising the total American inbound count to 810,000 for the first six months. European countries collectively contributed 120,000 visitors during June, while the six key Southeast Asian nations, including the Philippines, brought in a combined 230,000 travelers. Analysts from the government highlighted that visitor flows from Taiwan and the United States experienced particularly notable growth, increasing by over 160 percent compared to baseline figures from the first half of 2019, prior to global travel restrictions.
First Half International Tourist Numbers Exceed Pre-Pandemic Levels
Transport data demonstrates that commercial flights continue to serve as the main entry route for inbound travelers, with air travel accounting for 1.74 million foreign arrivals in June. Notably, international entry patterns show a quick decentralization from Seoul, as regional airports experienced faster growth compared to the main gateways in the Seoul metropolitan area. Arrivals at regional airports such as Gimhae International Airport in Busan, Daegu International Airport, Jeju International Airport, and Cheongju International Airport increased by 42.5 percent year-on-year, reaching 395,246 visitors in June. This growth significantly outpaced the 18.2 percent rise at core capital airports, including Incheon International Airport and Gimpo International Airport.
The sharp rebound in international arrivals has generated record-breaking economic benefits for Korea’s hospitality and retail sectors during the first half of 2023. Data from the Korea Tourism Organization shows that foreign visitors’ credit card spending surpassed 6.8 billion U.S. dollars, setting a new tourism revenue record. Sector analyses noted that Korea’s foreign tourist arrivals exceeded 10 million in H1 and hit the historic spending milestone of 6.8 billion U.S. dollars roughly three months earlier than in 2025, when such expenditures did not surpass this threshold until September.
June Saw 1.99 Million Foreign Visitors Arrive in Korea
Officials from tourism authorities attribute the sustained growth in inbound travel to strategic regulatory changes, increased air route capacities, and the global appeal of Korean cultural exports. Measures such as extending temporary visa-free entry for organized Chinese tour groups and restoring international flight routes have streamlined access for short-term visitors. Urban planning reports from the Seoul AI Foundation indicate that foreign travelers are increasingly exploring beyond traditional capital landmarks, with double-digit growth in visits to outdoor markets, cultural sites, and hiking destinations like Achasan and Dongdaemun Design Plaza.
Reaching over 10 million arrivals before midyear bolsters government forecasts of attracting between 22 million and 23 million international tourists by the end of 2023. Officials expect that travel momentum will continue to accelerate in the second half, buoyed by summer holiday peaks, autumn festivals, and additional international flights linking regional airports to major Asian cities. With total foreign visitor numbers already exceeding 2019 pre-pandemic levels by nearly 27 percent, tourism agencies are actively working with hospitality providers, local governments, and transport companies to expand capacity and develop regional travel routes across the country.