South Korea’s tourism sector records record foreign spending and Hallyu-driven surge

In April, South Korea welcomed 2.02 million foreign visitors, achieving a tourism surplus for the second consecutive month. Hallyu‑related consumption by tourists topped 1.3 trillion won, with Chinese travelers accounting for the largest share at 574,000 arrivals, followed by Japan and Taiwan.

May saw foreign card spending exceed 2 trillion won, a 67 % year‑on‑year increase, the highest on record. Growth was led by Chinese tourists, whose card expenditures rose more than threefold compared with the previous year. Spending surged across shopping, transport, medical‑wellness and food‑beverage sectors, with notable spikes in luxury goods, toys, and cosmetics. The data indicate that South Korea’s tourism market is being propelled by both high‑volume Hallyu‑related activities and high‑value luxury purchases.