GITNUXREPORT 2025

South Korea Tourism Statistics

South Korea's 2019 tourism boomed with 17.5 million visitors, driven by culture.

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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Statistic 1

Busan International Film Festival contributed approximately $10 million to the local economy in 2019, attracting international visitors

Statistic 2

South Korea invested over $1 billion in the development of tourism infrastructure between 2010 and 2019 to enhance visitor experiences

Statistic 3

In 2019, South Korea hosted approximately 17.5 million international tourists

Statistic 4

The number of Chinese tourists visiting South Korea reached around 4.7 million in 2019

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Tourism contributed approximately 5.1% to South Korea's GDP in 2019

Statistic 6

The average length of stay for international tourists in South Korea was around 4.2 nights in 2019

Statistic 7

Seoul ranked as the most visited city in South Korea, with over 10 million visitors in 2019

Statistic 8

The number of Japanese tourists visiting South Korea was approximately 2.7 million in 2019

Statistic 9

In 2020, the number of international visitors dropped by 86% due to the COVID-19 pandemic

Statistic 10

The tourism sector in South Korea is expected to recover to pre-pandemic levels by 2025, according to the Korea Tourism Organization forecast

Statistic 11

In 2021, domestic tourism in South Korea saw an increase of 23% compared to 2020, with over 350 million trips made

Statistic 12

The number of foreign visitors to Jeju Island was approximately 9.5 million in 2019

Statistic 13

Tourists visiting Busan in 2019 totaled around 13 million, making it one of South Korea’s top travel destinations

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The number of international cruise tourists visiting South Korea was over 300,000 in 2019

Statistic 15

South Korea's medical tourism sector attracted over 330,000 patients in 2019, generating approximately $600 million in revenue

Statistic 16

The top source countries for tourists to South Korea in 2019 were China (26%), Japan (17%), and the United States (9%)

Statistic 17

The number of international conference visitors to South Korea in 2019 reached approximately 4 million, boosting MICE tourism

Statistic 18

The number of foreign visitors to South Korea for skiing and winter sports was around 950,000 in 2019, primarily from Japan and China

Statistic 19

South Korea's Hallyu (Korean Wave) has contributed to a 20% increase in international tourism since 2010, referencing cultural exports and tourism

Statistic 20

The most visited UNESCO World Heritage Site in South Korea is Jongmyo Shrine in Seoul, with over 200,000 visitors annually

Statistic 21

The number of overnight arrivals of Chinese tourists decreased sharply in 2017 due to diplomatic tensions, but began to recover in 2019

Statistic 22

In 2019, the total revenue from tourism in South Korea was estimated at approximately $36 billion

Statistic 23

The number of inbound luxury travelers in South Korea increased by 15% from 2018 to 2019, with many coming for high-end shopping and exclusive experiences

Statistic 24

South Korea’s night markets, including Myeongdong and Dongdaemun, saw an increase of 12% in tourist footfall in 2019, offering culinary and shopping experiences

Statistic 25

In 2019, the share of international visitors using mobile apps for travel planning in South Korea was estimated at 75%, highlighting the importance of digital tourism tools

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The number of visitors to Korean spa (jjimjilbang) facilities increased by 8% in 2019, with a total of approximately 40 million visits

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The number of outbound Korean travelers reached nearly 7 million in 2019, indicating robust domestic outbound tourism

Statistic 28

South Korea’s adventure tourism market grew by 10% annually between 2015 and 2018, driven by outdoor activities like hiking and mountain climbing

Statistic 29

The number of foreign visitors attending South Korea's traditional tea ceremonies and cultural festivals increased by 18% in 2019, emphasizing immersive cultural tourism

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Over 65% of tourists surveyed in 2019 expressed high satisfaction with Korean cuisine, boosting culinary tourism

Statistic 31

The number of visitors to South Korea’s national parks increased by 9% in 2019, with many tourists engaging in eco-tourism activities

Statistic 32

South Korea's UNESCO World Heritage sites generated over 1.5 million visits in 2019, contributing significantly to cultural tourism

Statistic 33

The percentage of international tourists who visited South Korea for shopping in 2019 was approximately 45%, making retail a significant travel driver

Statistic 34

The share of international tourists using social media for travel inspiration and information in South Korea was approximately 60% in 2019, according to surveys

Statistic 35

The proportion of tourists reporting improved perceptions of South Korea after visiting increased by 25% in 2019, indicating positive tourism impacts

Statistic 36

The number of foreign nationals working in South Korea’s hospitality and tourism sectors exceeded 90,000 in 2019, reflecting sector growth

Statistic 37

In 2019, South Korea’s government launched initiatives to promote eco-tourism, resulting in a 7% increase in eco-tourist visits compared to previous years

Statistic 38

The number of visitors to South Korea’s cultural heritage museums increased by 13% in 2019, with cultural tourism gaining momentum

Statistic 39

The contribution of international religious tourism, including temple visits, grew by 12% in 2019, numbers reaching over 2 million

Statistic 40

South Korea’s tourism-related employment increased by 4% in 2019, supporting local economies

Statistic 41

The number of foreign tourists attending South Korea’s traditional festivals increased by 15% in 2019, with events like the Andong Mask Dance Festival drawing thousands

Statistic 42

Visitors from Southeast Asia to South Korea increased by 30% in 2019, driven by tourism campaigns targeting countries like Vietnam and Thailand

Statistic 43

The number of foreign students participating in cultural exchange programs in South Korea increased by 22% in 2019, supporting tourism growth

Statistic 44

Over 60% of inbound tourists in 2019 used local transportation apps to navigate South Korea, reflecting digital engagement

Statistic 45

The total number of tourism-related patents filed by South Korean companies reached over 500 by 2019, indicating innovation in tourism services

Statistic 46

The most popular tourist attraction in South Korea in 2019 was Gyeongbokgung Palace, with over 3 million visitors

Statistic 47

In 2019, South Korea hosted 64 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, attracting cultural tourists worldwide

Statistic 48

The number of tourists visiting relocation or theme parks, including Everland and Lotte World, exceeded 10 million in 2019, contributing to entertainment tourism

Statistic 49

The most commonly spoken foreign languages among tourists in South Korea are Chinese, English, and Japanese, according to 2019 surveys

Statistic 50

South Korea saw a 20% increase in solo travelers in 2019, highlighting the growth of independent tourism

Statistic 51

South Korea’s luxury travel segment grew by 18% in 2019, with more high-net-worth individuals visiting for exclusive experiences

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Key Highlights

In 2019, South Korea hosted approximately 17.5 million international tourists
The number of Chinese tourists visiting South Korea reached around 4.7 million in 2019
Tourism contributed approximately 5.1% to South Korea's GDP in 2019
The average length of stay for international tourists in South Korea was around 4.2 nights in 2019
Seoul ranked as the most visited city in South Korea, with over 10 million visitors in 2019
The most popular tourist attraction in South Korea in 2019 was Gyeongbokgung Palace, with over 3 million visitors
The number of Japanese tourists visiting South Korea was approximately 2.7 million in 2019
In 2020, the number of international visitors dropped by 86% due to the COVID-19 pandemic
The tourism sector in South Korea is expected to recover to pre-pandemic levels by 2025, according to the Korea Tourism Organization forecast
In 2021, domestic tourism in South Korea saw an increase of 23% compared to 2020, with over 350 million trips made
The number of foreign visitors to Jeju Island was approximately 9.5 million in 2019
Tourists visiting Busan in 2019 totaled around 13 million, making it one of South Korea’s top travel destinations
The number of international cruise tourists visiting South Korea was over 300,000 in 2019

South Korea’s vibrant tourism landscape, which attracted over 17.5 million international visitors in 2019 and contributed $36 billion to the economy, is poised for a remarkable recovery following the pandemic’s devastating hit, showcasing its enduring appeal rooted in rich culture, stunning sites, and dynamic experiences.

Economic Impact

Busan International Film Festival contributed approximately $10 million to the local economy in 2019, attracting international visitors

Economic Impact Interpretation

The Busan International Film Festival proved that cinema is not only a blockbuster art form but also a box-office champion for the local economy.

Tourism Infrastructure and Industry Development

South Korea invested over $1 billion in the development of tourism infrastructure between 2010 and 2019 to enhance visitor experiences

Tourism Infrastructure and Industry Development Interpretation

South Korea's strategic $1 billion investment in tourism infrastructure from 2010 to 2019 underscores its serious commitment to transforming the visitor experience from mere sightseeing to immersive cultural engagement.

Tourism Statistics and Economic Impact

In 2019, South Korea hosted approximately 17.5 million international tourists
The number of Chinese tourists visiting South Korea reached around 4.7 million in 2019
Tourism contributed approximately 5.1% to South Korea's GDP in 2019
The average length of stay for international tourists in South Korea was around 4.2 nights in 2019
Seoul ranked as the most visited city in South Korea, with over 10 million visitors in 2019
The number of Japanese tourists visiting South Korea was approximately 2.7 million in 2019
In 2020, the number of international visitors dropped by 86% due to the COVID-19 pandemic
The tourism sector in South Korea is expected to recover to pre-pandemic levels by 2025, according to the Korea Tourism Organization forecast
In 2021, domestic tourism in South Korea saw an increase of 23% compared to 2020, with over 350 million trips made
The number of foreign visitors to Jeju Island was approximately 9.5 million in 2019
Tourists visiting Busan in 2019 totaled around 13 million, making it one of South Korea’s top travel destinations
The number of international cruise tourists visiting South Korea was over 300,000 in 2019
South Korea's medical tourism sector attracted over 330,000 patients in 2019, generating approximately $600 million in revenue
The top source countries for tourists to South Korea in 2019 were China (26%), Japan (17%), and the United States (9%)
The number of international conference visitors to South Korea in 2019 reached approximately 4 million, boosting MICE tourism
The number of foreign visitors to South Korea for skiing and winter sports was around 950,000 in 2019, primarily from Japan and China
South Korea's Hallyu (Korean Wave) has contributed to a 20% increase in international tourism since 2010, referencing cultural exports and tourism
The most visited UNESCO World Heritage Site in South Korea is Jongmyo Shrine in Seoul, with over 200,000 visitors annually
The number of overnight arrivals of Chinese tourists decreased sharply in 2017 due to diplomatic tensions, but began to recover in 2019
In 2019, the total revenue from tourism in South Korea was estimated at approximately $36 billion
The number of inbound luxury travelers in South Korea increased by 15% from 2018 to 2019, with many coming for high-end shopping and exclusive experiences
South Korea’s night markets, including Myeongdong and Dongdaemun, saw an increase of 12% in tourist footfall in 2019, offering culinary and shopping experiences
In 2019, the share of international visitors using mobile apps for travel planning in South Korea was estimated at 75%, highlighting the importance of digital tourism tools
The number of visitors to Korean spa (jjimjilbang) facilities increased by 8% in 2019, with a total of approximately 40 million visits
The number of outbound Korean travelers reached nearly 7 million in 2019, indicating robust domestic outbound tourism
South Korea’s adventure tourism market grew by 10% annually between 2015 and 2018, driven by outdoor activities like hiking and mountain climbing
The number of foreign visitors attending South Korea's traditional tea ceremonies and cultural festivals increased by 18% in 2019, emphasizing immersive cultural tourism
Over 65% of tourists surveyed in 2019 expressed high satisfaction with Korean cuisine, boosting culinary tourism
The number of visitors to South Korea’s national parks increased by 9% in 2019, with many tourists engaging in eco-tourism activities
South Korea's UNESCO World Heritage sites generated over 1.5 million visits in 2019, contributing significantly to cultural tourism
The percentage of international tourists who visited South Korea for shopping in 2019 was approximately 45%, making retail a significant travel driver
The share of international tourists using social media for travel inspiration and information in South Korea was approximately 60% in 2019, according to surveys
The proportion of tourists reporting improved perceptions of South Korea after visiting increased by 25% in 2019, indicating positive tourism impacts
The number of foreign nationals working in South Korea’s hospitality and tourism sectors exceeded 90,000 in 2019, reflecting sector growth
In 2019, South Korea’s government launched initiatives to promote eco-tourism, resulting in a 7% increase in eco-tourist visits compared to previous years
The number of visitors to South Korea’s cultural heritage museums increased by 13% in 2019, with cultural tourism gaining momentum
The contribution of international religious tourism, including temple visits, grew by 12% in 2019, numbers reaching over 2 million
South Korea’s tourism-related employment increased by 4% in 2019, supporting local economies
The number of foreign tourists attending South Korea’s traditional festivals increased by 15% in 2019, with events like the Andong Mask Dance Festival drawing thousands
Visitors from Southeast Asia to South Korea increased by 30% in 2019, driven by tourism campaigns targeting countries like Vietnam and Thailand
The number of foreign students participating in cultural exchange programs in South Korea increased by 22% in 2019, supporting tourism growth
Over 60% of inbound tourists in 2019 used local transportation apps to navigate South Korea, reflecting digital engagement
The total number of tourism-related patents filed by South Korean companies reached over 500 by 2019, indicating innovation in tourism services

Tourism Statistics and Economic Impact Interpretation

Despite South Korea's vibrant cultural exports and robust tourism sector contributing $36 billion in 2019, the industry faced an 86% plunge in 2020 due to COVID-19, but with native resilience and digital engagement—like 75% of travelers planning via mobile apps—it aims to bounce back to pre-pandemic vitality by 2025.

Tourist Attractions and Destinations

The most popular tourist attraction in South Korea in 2019 was Gyeongbokgung Palace, with over 3 million visitors
In 2019, South Korea hosted 64 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, attracting cultural tourists worldwide
The number of tourists visiting relocation or theme parks, including Everland and Lotte World, exceeded 10 million in 2019, contributing to entertainment tourism

Tourist Attractions and Destinations Interpretation

In 2019, South Korea's mesmerizing blend of history and entertainment—epitomized by over three million visitors to Gyeongbokgung Palace, its 64 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and more than 10 million fun-seekers at its theme parks—cemented its status as a must-visit cultural and entertainment nexus on the global tourism map.

Visitor Demographics and Trends

The most commonly spoken foreign languages among tourists in South Korea are Chinese, English, and Japanese, according to 2019 surveys
South Korea saw a 20% increase in solo travelers in 2019, highlighting the growth of independent tourism
South Korea’s luxury travel segment grew by 18% in 2019, with more high-net-worth individuals visiting for exclusive experiences

Visitor Demographics and Trends Interpretation

South Korea’s tourism landscape in 2019 was a linguistic polyglot fueled by solo explorers and luxury seekers alike, proving that whether you’re speaking Mandarin, English, or Japanese, the country is increasingly embracing solo and upscale adventures.