Seoul, South Korea – South Korea’s tourism industry is showing strong signs of recovery, with the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) reporting that the country welcomed 1.63 million foreign visitors in May. This figure represents a 14.9% increase compared to the same period last year and surpasses pre-pandemic levels, reaching 109.7% of the number recorded in May 2019.
The surge in tourism is a welcome sign for the South Korean economy, which has been working to revitalize its tourism sector following the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
China Leads the Way:
Breaking down the numbers by country and region, mainland China emerged as the largest source of tourists, with 484,000 visitors in May. Following China, Japan contributed 292,000 tourists, while Taiwan, the United States, and the Philippines accounted for 150,000, 132,000, and 61,000 visitors, respectively.
Notably, tourism from Taiwan, the United States, and the Philippines saw significant increases compared to May 2019, with growth rates of 47.6%, 38.1%, and 19.8%, respectively. The number of Japanese tourists also slightly exceeded the 2019 level, showing a 1.9% increase. While Chinese tourism is recovering, it is still slightly below pre-pandemic levels, reaching 96.8% of the May 2019 figure.
Overall Recovery:
The strong performance in May contributes to a positive trend for the year. In the first five months of 2024, South Korea has welcomed a total of 7.21 million foreign tourists, marking a 14.7% increase compared to the same period last year. This cumulative figure represents a significant recovery, reaching [insert percentage based on the provided information, if available] of the levels seen in the first five months of 2019.
Looking Ahead:
The continued growth in tourism is expected to further boost the South Korean economy. The KTO and other stakeholders are actively promoting South Korea as a safe and attractive destination, with a focus on diversifying tourism offerings and attracting visitors from a wider range of countries.
References:
- Yonhap News Agency. (2024, June 30). South Korea Welcomes 1.63 Million Foreign Tourists in May, Exceeding Pre-Pandemic Levels. Retrieved from [Insert URL to the original Yonhap News Agency article here]
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