South Korea Tourism Statistics

South Korea attracts millions of visitors every year due to its vibrant cities, landscapes, cultural heritage, and the global phenomenon of K-dramas and K-pop.

11 to 18 million international tourists visit South Korea each year.¹

• In 2019, South Korea welcomed 17.5 million international visitors, marking the highest number of recorded visitors in history.
• When the pandemic started, this number dropped by 85% to 2.52 million visits in 2020.
• By 2021, international tourism dropped even further (by 61%) with 967,000 visitors.
• Inbound tourism rose with 3.20 million visitors in 2022 increased to 11.03 million in 2023, and continued to recover in 2024 with 16.36 million visitors (a 48% increase from 2023), though this was still 6.5% less than the pre-pandemic peak.

How many people visited South Korea in 2025?

From January to March 2025, South Korea welcomed 3.42 million international visitors, slightly up from 3.40 million during the same period in 2024.

• January: 1.12M (3.7% increase from 1.08M in Jan 2024)
• February: 1.14M (2.6% decrease from 1.17M in Feb 2024)
• March: 1.16M ( 2.7% increase from 1.13M in Mar 2024)

This indicates a 0.6% year-over-year growth for Q1, showing steady recovery momentum.

How many people visited South Korea in 2024?

• South Korea welcomed 16.36 million international visitors in 2024 — a strong rebound that was 48% higher than in 2023 and just 6.5% short of the record set in 2019.

How many people visited South Korea in 2023?

• Over 11.03 million international tourists visited South Korea in 2023. This was a 245% increase compared to 3.2 million visitors in 2022..

The leading source of foreign tourists to South Korea continues to be China, followed by Japan, Taiwan, and the United States.²

In 2024:

• China remained the top source market with 4.6 million visitors.
• Japan followed with 3.2 million tourists.
• Taiwan contributed 1.5 million visits.
• The United States accounted for 1.3 million arrivals.

The World Travel & Tourism Council's (WTTC) 2024 Economic Impact Research (EIR) highlighted that South Korea's travel and tourism sector grew by 18.2% to ₩84.71 trillion in 2023.³

• The sector created 76,600 new jobs, increasing total employment to 1.34 million, a 6.1% rise.
• International visitor spending reached ₩24.3 trillion, and domestic spending climbed to ₩34.45 trillion.

• South Korea's popularity as a tourist destination continues to grow, driven by the global spread of Korean popular culture, including K-pop and K-drama.⁴
• South Korea received several honors at the World Travel Awards in 2024:
  • South Korea's Leading Tour Operator: Etourism, recognized for its exceptional services.
  • South Korea's Leading Luxury Hotel: Four Seasons Hotel Seoul, awarded for its outstanding hospitality.
  • South Korea's Leading Serviced Apartment Brand: Frasers Hospitality, acknowledged for its premium accommodations.
• In 2023, TIME Magazine named Jeju Island, often called the Hawaii of South Korea, one of the World's 50 Greatest Places.
• The increase in interest has led to more travel opportunities, with airlines like Delta Air Lines expanding nonstop services to South Korea, enhancing connectivity for international visitors.

• Food/Culinary was a primary reason why people visited South Korea. It attracted 431,000 visitors in 2024, accounting for 16% of the total, highlighting the global interest in Korean cuisine.⁵
• Nature/Travel drew 344,000 visitors, representing 13%, showcasing South Korea's natural beauty, including mountains, beaches, and parks.
• Shopping brought in 336,000 visitors, making up 13% of the share, reflecting South Korea's reputation for fashion, cosmetics, and bustling markets.
• History/Culture accounted for 186,000 visits (7.2% of the total), underscoring the country's rich heritage and cultural landmarks.
• Other Reasons comprised 1,297,000 visits, making up 50% of the total. This indicated a diverse range of attractions and interests among visitors.

Yes, South Korea is considered a very safe country to visit. It consistently ranks among the safest destinations in Asia due to its low crime rates, reliable public transportation, and strong infrastructure.

• Violent crime is rare, and petty crimes like pickpocketing are uncommon but can occur in crowded areas.
• Public transportation, including subways and buses, is clean, efficient, and safe even at night.
• Solo and female travelers generally report feeling safe, even when exploring cities alone.
• Emergency services are responsive, and many major tourist areas have English-speaking staff or assistance centers.
• As with any destination, it's wise to stay informed about local guidelines and monitor weather conditions, especially during summer typhoon season (July–September).

Overall, South Korea offers a secure environment for travelers, with a strong emphasis on public order and visitor safety.