Busan and Ulsan Surge as Tourism Spending Crosses KRW 10 Trillion in South Korea

Image generated with Ai

2026 is already seeing changes in the inbound tourism figures in South Korea, especially in Busan and Ulsan, with figures that are making the transformation impossible to overlook. South Korea registered 10.71 million foreigners in the first half of 2026, registering a 21 per cent increase from the previous year, while spending through foreign cards surpassed KRW 10 trillion, three months ahead of schedule from last year. Meanwhile, there is a much quicker increase in regional airports compared to the airports of Seoul.

Key Stats

• 10.71 million: Foreign visitors to South Korea during January–June 2026.
• 21%: Approximate year-on-year increase in first-half foreign arrivals.
• KRW 10.0389 trillion: Foreign card tourism spending recorded during H1 2026.
• 50.8%: Year-on-year increase in foreign card tourism spending.
• 42.1%: Growth in foreign arrivals through regional airports during H1.
• 42.5%: June year-on-year increase in foreign arrivals through regional airports.
• 34.2%: Foreign visitors’ regional visit rate in Q2 2026, up from 31.4% a year earlier.
• 8.23 million: Foreign tourists visiting Seoul during H1, up 21.3% year on year.

Spending Is Moving Faster Than Arrivals

Here is where South Korea’s tourism story gets particularly interesting. Visitor numbers are rising strongly, but expenditure is moving even faster.

Foreign card tourism spending reached KRW 10.0389 trillion during the first six months of 2026, representing a 50.8% increase from KRW 6.6559 trillion during the same period in 2025. The KRW 10 trillion threshold was reached in June, approximately three months earlier than last year.

June alone generated KRW 2.0544 trillion in foreign card tourism spending, marking a 66.4% year-on-year increase. May had already crossed the KRW 2 trillion monthly mark for the first time, showing how quickly inbound tourism consumption has accelerated.

For travellers, the spending data reflects activity across shopping, transport, food and beverage, medical and wellness services and other tourism-related sectors.

Regional Airports Steal Some Attention

Seoul remains the country’s dominant tourism gateway, but regional airports are suddenly making themselves very difficult to overlook.

During H1 2026, 1.96 million foreign visitors entered South Korea through regional international airports including Gimhae, Daegu, Jeju and Cheongju, up 42.1% from the previous year. By comparison, arrivals through greater Seoul-area airports increased by 17.3%.

The June figures were even stronger. Regional airports recorded 395,246 foreign arrivals, representing a 42.5% year-on-year increase, while arrivals through Seoul-area airports rose 18.2%.

That difference matters for travel planning because visitors arriving through regional gateways can begin their Korean holidays closer to destinations outside the capital rather than automatically routing through Seoul.

Busan Gets a Bigger International Role

Busan is emerging as one of the clearest beneficiaries of this regional tourism momentum.

The country’s second-largest city combines international air access through Gimhae International Airport with coastal attractions, beaches, markets, food districts, cultural neighbourhoods and urban experiences. Its position on Korea’s southeastern coast also makes it a practical base for exploring surrounding areas.

Agoda search data has identified Busan as a rapidly growing destination, with travel interest rising 43% year on year, while Ulsan is also emerging among the country’s fastest-growing regional destinations.

The shift adds another layer to South Korea’s tourism map, where travellers can combine Seoul’s K-culture and shopping experiences with Busan’s coastline and Ulsan’s industrial, coastal and cultural attractions.

Jeju, Daegu and Cheongju Join the Dispersal

The increase in regional-airport arrivals is also creating stronger access to destinations with very different tourism profiles.

Jeju remains a major island destination, offering volcanic landscapes, beaches and nature-based experiences. Daegu provides access to urban culture, food and surrounding mountain landscapes, while Cheongju connects visitors with central Korea and its cultural attractions.

For international travellers, direct regional arrivals can shorten the journey between airport and destination while creating opportunities for multi-city itineraries.

Seoul Still Leads the Spending Story

The regional surge does not mean Seoul is losing its position.

The capital welcomed 8.23 million foreign tourists during the first half of 2026, up 21.3% year on year. Their credit-card spending in Seoul reached KRW 5.62 trillion, a 56.8% increase and an all-time first-half high for the city.

Myeongdong, Seongsu-dong and other commercial districts continue to attract international spending, while transport, food, wellness and shopping are all benefiting from stronger visitor demand.

The Regional Travel Map Is Expanding

South Korea’s latest tourism figures show a broader travel pattern developing alongside the recovery in international arrivals.

Foreign visitors are still arriving in large numbers through Seoul, but faster growth at regional airports and higher regional visit rates are spreading tourism activity. The Q2 regional visit rate reached 34.2%, compared with 31.4% a year earlier.

For travellers, that means more options to build itineraries around Busan, Jeju, Daegu, Ulsan and other regional destinations instead of concentrating every trip around the capital.

FAQ

1. How many foreign visitors did South Korea receive in H1 2026?
South Korea recorded 10.71 million foreign visitors during the first half of 2026.

2. Which regional airports recorded strong growth?
Gimhae, Daegu, Jeju and Cheongju were among the regional international airports recording significant increases in foreign arrivals.

3. Is Seoul still important for international tourism?
Yes. Seoul received 8.23 million foreign tourists during H1 2026 and recorded KRW 5.62 trillion in foreign card spending.

Timelines and Events

• January–June 2026: South Korea welcomes 10.71 million foreign visitors.
• May 2026: Monthly foreign card tourism spending exceeds KRW 2 trillion for the first time.
• June 2026: Foreign arrivals reach 1.99 million, up 23.1% year on year.
• June 2026: Regional-airport foreign arrivals rise 42.5% year on year.
• June 2026: Cumulative foreign card tourism spending crosses KRW 10 trillion.
• 28 July 2026: South Korea releases H1 tourism and spending figures.

Conclusion

While South Korea’s tourism influx in 2026 is turning out to be a tale of increased expenditure and more dispersion of destinations, Seoul remains the most popular city in terms of numbers of visitors. Nevertheless, the popularity of cities like Busan, Ulsan, Jeju, and Daegu, among others, is increasing because of the growth of their airports and their popularity. With foreign tourist expenditure surpassing KRW 10 trillion by June, it is clear that tourism in South Korea is now more than Seoul.