South Korea's Tourism Sector Surpasses Pre-Pandemic Levels with 10.7 Million Visitors
In the first half of 2026, South Korea welcomed 10.7 million international visitors, marking a 21.3% increase from the same period in 2025 and surpassing pre-pandemic levels by 26.9%. The Korea Tourism Organisation reported that China was the largest source of visitors, followed by Japan, Taiwan, the United States, and the Philippines. The tourism sector has shown robust recovery, with foreign tourists increasingly exploring local markets and hiking trails beyond traditional attractions. 
