South Korea Welcomes Over 1.1 Million Visitors in January
The state-run Korea Tourism Organisation (KTO) reports that nearly 1.12 million tourists arrived in South Korea in January 2025. This marks a 27% increase from the same month last year, highlighting a remarkable rebound in tourism despite recent socio-political challenges.
Analysts noted that the uptick in arrivals reflects resilience, as the recent declaration of martial law appeared not to discourage foreign visitors.
January 2025 arrivals:
- Up from 881,000 in January 2024.
- On track for the KTO’s target of 20 million arrivals for the year.
Focus on Recovery
Acting KTO president Seo Young-choong announced a set of strategic measures aimed at sustaining and driving tourism momentum, including prioritizing promotional roadshows in the early months of 2025. With shows centered around popular programs like Culinary Class Wars, they aim to bolster South Korea’s image as a top destination for gastronomic experiences, while also promoting its beauty industry.
Seo articulated the importance of maintaining interest, stating, “Korea has long been known for its variety of beauty treatments, and interest in its food has just gone global.”
Challenges Ahead
Despite a positive outlook, Seo cautioned about potential impacts from the ongoing trade tensions between China and the United States, which could challenge efforts to attract Chinese tourists — the largest segment of visitors in January.
The KTO recognizes the necessity to widen its focus beyond China, exploring promotional opportunities in markets like Singapore and France, targeting the lucrative luxury travel sector.
