What Caused the 17.3% Surge in Foreign Tourists to South Korea in November?
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Synopsis
In November, South Korea saw a remarkable 17.3% increase in foreign tourist arrivals, signaling a vibrant recovery in its tourism sector. With more than 1.6 million visitors, the nation is on track to surpass previous records. This article explores the contributing factors and implications of this surge.
Key Takeaways
- 17.3% increase in foreign tourist arrivals in November.
- Approximately 1.6 million visitors were recorded.
- China remains the top source of tourists with 378,000 arrivals.
- Tourism sector nearing pre-pandemic levels.
- Government investigating 88 suspected illegal foreign property transactions.
Seoul, Dec 30 (NationPress) The influx of international travelers to South Korea experienced a significant surge in November, with an impressive increase of 17.3% compared to the same month last year, indicating a strong rebound in the tourism industry as it moves closer to pre-pandemic figures, as per official statistics released on Tuesday.
Data from the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) revealed that approximately 1.6 million foreign tourists visited South Korea in November, marking an increase from 1.36 million in November of the previous year and a 9.6% rise compared to November 2019, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.
China remained the predominant source of visitors, contributing 378,000 arrivals, followed by Japan with 363,000, Taiwan at 158,000, the United States with 133,000, and the Philippines at 60,000, as reported by the Yonhap news agency.
While arrivals from China have rebounded to around 75% of levels seen in 2019, Japanese tourist numbers surged by 40.4% when compared to the same timeframe that year.
From January through November, South Korea has welcomed 17.42 million foreign tourists, reflecting a 15.4% increase from the same period last year and 8.6% higher than 2019 levels, according to the KTO. Visitors from China accounted for 29.2%, or approximately 5.09 million, of the total.
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism forecasts that the total number of foreign visitors for this year will exceed 18.7 million, potentially achieving a new record and approaching the significant 20 million milestone. The previous high was 17.5 million in 2019, just before the pandemic.
In parallel, the government has identified 88 suspected cases of illegal property transactions involving foreign nationals amid a special investigation into non-residential real estate deals.
This investigation, conducted jointly by the land ministry and the Office for Government Policy Coordination from September to last week, uncovered 126 suspected illegal activities linked to 88 transactions reported between July 2024 and July of this year.
The majority of these cases involved transactions related to "officetels"—multi-purpose buildings with both residential and commercial units—and land.
Alleged violations include illegal influxes of overseas funds, unauthorized rental operations by foreigners lacking proper residency status, and misuse of bank loans.
Point of View
It's evident that South Korea's tourism recovery is a positive signal for the economy, reflecting a resurgence in international travel. This growth highlights the importance of fostering global connections and the resilience of the tourism sector in overcoming challenges posed by the pandemic.
NationPress
08/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the percentage increase in foreign tourists to South Korea in November?
The percentage increase in foreign tourists to South Korea in November was 17.3% compared to the previous year.
Which country contributed the most tourists to South Korea?
China was the largest source of visitors, accounting for 378,000 arrivals in November.
How many foreign tourists has South Korea welcomed from January to November?
From January to November, South Korea welcomed 17.42 million foreign tourists.
What is the forecast for foreign tourists visiting South Korea this year?
The forecast suggests that the annual number of foreign visitors to South Korea will surpass 18.7 million this year.
Are there any investigations concerning foreign property transactions?
Yes, the government has discovered 88 suspected cases of illegal property transactions involving foreign nationals.
