BTS-driven tourism to boost South Korea's economy as foreign arrivals surge

South Korean analysts estimate that fan spending linked to K‑pop group BTS could add up to 0.35 percentage points to the country’s GDP by 2040 – roughly $6.6 billion annually – as the group’s concerts drive tourism, merchandise sales and broader consumption of Korean products.

Data from Incheon Airport show that foreign visitors to Korea rose more than 20 percent in the first five months of 2026, reaching 9.01 million arrivals, with China becoming the largest source market. The surge is attributed in part to BTS‑related events held earlier in the year, which boosted visitor numbers by about 26 percent during concerts in Seoul. The increase in tourism is expected to generate additional spending across hotels, restaurants, and retail, further supporting the projected economic impact of the BTS phenomenon.