Tourism in South Korea

The Deoksugung palace in Seoul, a popular visitor attraction

Tourism in South Korea and its industry caters to both foreign and domestic tourists. In 2019, 17.5 million foreign tourists visited South Korea, making it the 20th most visited country in the world.^[1]^[2]^[3] Most non-Korean tourists come from other parts of East Asia such as Japan, mainland China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong. The recent popularity of Korean popular culture, often known as the "Korean Wave", in these countries has increased tourist arrivals.^[4]

South Korea has 16 World Heritage Sites, including Changdeokgung Palace, Namhansanseong and Hwaseong Fortress.^[5] Seoul is the principal tourist destination for visitors; popular tourist destinations outside of Seoul include the major coastal city of Busan, the Seorak-san national park, the historic city of Gyeongju and subtropical Jeju Island.^[6]

^ UNTWO (June 2008). "UNTWO World Tourism Barometer, Vol.5 No.2" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2008-08-19. Retrieved 2008-10-15.
^ "International tourism, number of arrivals - Korea, Rep". World Bank.
^ "30 Most Visited Countries in the World and their most visited places". Govisity.
^ "Korea Monthly Statistics".
^ "Properties inscribed on the World Heritage List". UNESCO.
^ "Statistics Korea: Resort island of Jeju is booming".

[1] UNTWO (June 2008). "UNTWO World Tourism Barometer, Vol.5 No.2" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2008-08-19. Retrieved 2008-10-15.

[2] "International tourism, number of arrivals - Korea, Rep". World Bank.

[3] "30 Most Visited Countries in the World and their most visited places". Govisity.

[4] "Korea Monthly Statistics".

[5] "Properties inscribed on the World Heritage List". UNESCO.

[6] "Statistics Korea: Resort island of Jeju is booming".

[1]

[2]

[3]

[4]

[5]

[6]