Busan’s Port City Transformation: A Gateway for International Tourists in South Korea, Here’s All You Need to Know

Published on December 4, 2025

In 2025, Busan, the energetic port city in South Korea, is making waves in the international tourism scene. The city just passed the milestone mark of 3 million foreign arrivals, finally reaching its long-held target set in 2012 that was side-tracked by the pandemic. Tourism is rebounding, and infrastructure in the city is continually improving, so Busan is en route to being a major player in world tourism. Furthermore, the city is not only focusing on its growth but is also working closely with its regional neighbors to establish a “super-regional tourism hub” that will make travel to this southeastern city even more attractive.

Busan Reaches New Heights in International Tourism

Busan’s tourism industry has experienced a remarkable surge in 2025, with the city welcoming over 3 million international visitors by October. This achievement, which was originally set as a target in 2012, signifies Busan’s growing appeal as a global tourism destination. Despite the setbacks caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the city’s tourism numbers have now rebounded to pre-pandemic levels and continue to rise.

The Port of Busan, the seventh largest container port in the world, has played a crucial role in this growth. In addition to the city’s growing number of international arrivals, Busan’s cruise industry has seen impressive gains. So far in 2025, Busan port has welcomed 400,000 cruise passengers and hosted a record-breaking 238 cruise calls. This surge in cruise tourism is part of Busan’s broader strategy to capitalize on its position as a maritime hub in East Asia.

Looking ahead, Busan is targeting 3.5 million international visitors in 2026, signaling its confidence in the continuing growth of the tourism industry. To accommodate this influx of visitors, the city is investing heavily in infrastructure upgrades, which will not only cater to tourists but also enhance Busan’s status as a world-class port city.

Infrastructure Development: Laying the Foundation for Future Growth

Busan is investing in several large-scale infrastructure projects to accommodate its rising number of tourists and bolster its global status. The North Port redevelopment project, which is already in its final phase, is one of the city’s most ambitious developments. This $13 trillion (US$13 billion) initiative is designed to revitalize the area around Busan Port and create new attractions and facilities for tourists. Upon completion, the North Port will house the Busan Port International Passenger Terminal, an expansive Hydrophilic Park, a marina, and even an opera house.

In addition to the North Port redevelopment, Busan is also working on the Gadeokdo New Airport, a project expected to open in 2030. When completed, the airport will significantly enhance the city’s air travel infrastructure and is projected to handle 23.26 million international arrivals per year. The new airport will serve as a key gateway for international tourists, making it easier for visitors to reach Busan and its surrounding areas.

With these developments, Busan is positioning itself as a global tourism hub capable of handling an increasing volume of visitors. The city is also working on improving local transportation networks, including roadways and public transit, to ensure tourists can travel seamlessly between Busan and nearby destinations.

Busan’s Regional Strategy: A Collaborative Effort for Tourism Growth

Busan’s efforts to bolster its tourism industry extend beyond its borders. The city is working closely with neighboring regions in South Korea, including cities along the southern and eastern coastal areas, to create a unified “super-regional tourism hub.” This collaborative initiative aims to bring together Busan, Gyeongju, Ulsan, and even Seoul in a joint effort to attract more international tourists to the entire region.

The Busan Tourism Organization (BTO) is at the forefront of this regional tourism push, led by a four-pillar strategy aimed at expanding year-round content, increasing the use of digital tools, enhancing collaboration with neighboring cities, and driving co-prosperity in the region. BTO President Lee Jeong-Sil emphasized that deepening partnerships with neighboring local governments will enable these regions to offer integrated travel experiences, attracting visitors to explore not just Busan, but the entire southern coast of South Korea.

As part of this initiative, discussions are already underway with adjacent local governments, with travel agents playing a central role in promoting these interconnected destinations. At the 5th Busan International Travel Mart (BITM) held in November 2025, around 170 travel advisors from key markets, including China, Hong Kong, Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia, and other Southeast Asian countries, expressed strong interest in expanding their Busan itineraries. The event served as an excellent platform for travel advisors to network with local operators and strengthen ties that would enable easier collaboration across regional borders.

Expanding Busan’s Appeal: Attracting a Diverse Range of Tourists

One of Busan’s key strategies to attract a broader demographic of travelers is the development of new tourism content and services. The city is actively working to cater to diverse tourist needs, including expanding its Muslim-friendly facilities. In 2025, Busan introduced the city’s first mosque, the Busan Al-Fatah Masjid, a significant milestone in its efforts to accommodate Muslim visitors.

Busan is also working to improve facilities for Muslim tourists, such as prayer rooms and halal restaurants, in response to feedback from travelers and tour operators. These improvements make Busan an even more attractive destination for Muslim travelers from across Asia, particularly Malaysia and Indonesia. Agencies, such as Kopetro from Malaysia, are already planning to design tours that combine visits to both Seoul and Busan, taking advantage of the cities’ growing appeal.

Additionally, Busan is embracing digital innovation to enhance the travel experience for tourists. The BTO has been utilizing digital tools to provide visitors with up-to-date information, booking options, and personalized itineraries. As tourists increasingly rely on technology when planning their trips, Busan’s digital strategy will be crucial in attracting tech-savvy visitors.

The Future of Busan’s Tourism Industry

Busan’s tourism sector is poised for continued growth in the coming years, driven by strategic investments in infrastructure, regional cooperation, and targeted marketing. With the successful implementation of its four-pillar strategy, the city aims to become a top global destination for travelers, particularly in the cruise and cultural tourism sectors. The ongoing collaboration between Busan and its neighboring regions will likely offer tourists even more compelling reasons to visit, as the city strengthens its position as a key tourism hub in East Asia.

For tourists, Busan’s transformation promises an exciting range of new experiences, from modern architectural landmarks to cultural festivals, coastal adventures, and beyond. As the city prepares for even greater influxes of international visitors, Busan is setting the stage for a vibrant future in the global tourism market.

Looking Ahead: Busan’s Promising Future as a Global Tourism Hub

Tourism in Busan has been growing rapidly due to large-scale infrastructure development, regional collaboration, and new approaches to cater for increasingly diverse travelers. In the face of such rapid growth, Busan aims to be at the forefront in the global tourism market through the establishment of a “super-regional tourism hub” that links the southern and eastern regions of South Korea with the rest of the world.