Korea's inbound visitors reach 17.11 million, set to beat last year's total

22 October 2026

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism released fresh figures on foreign visitors to the Republic of Korea.
From January to September the cumulative count reached 17.11 million, a rise of 21.5% over the 14.08 million of the same period a year earlier.
In September alone 2.06 million foreign visitors arrived, up 21.1% from a year before.
The ministry said the running total is expected to pass last year's full-year figure of 18.94 million during October.
Tourism-sector card spending by foreign visitors reached 15.845 trillion won through September, 46.8% more than a year earlier.
The ministry, headed by Minister Chae Hwi-young, handles tourism along with culture and sport in Korea.
Arrivals through airports and seaports outside the Seoul Capital Area made up 28.2% of the total through September.