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The Korea Tourism Organization reported that total revenue generated from the tourism sector reached $2.78 billion in June. Foreign tourists spent an average of $1,397 per person during their visits. These inflows helped push the travel account into positive territory at a level not seen since before the pandemic.
The $596.6 million surplus marks a significant reversal from the $846.8 million deficit recorded in June 2025, the Korea Tourism Organization said. The organisation indicated that the balance has now posted surpluses for several consecutive months. Data from May showed a $220.5 million surplus compared with a deficit of more than $820 million a year earlier.
According to the Korea Tourism Organisation, South Korea welcomed 10.7 million international visitors in the first six months of 2026. That total represents a 21.3 percent increase from the same period in 2025. The first-half arrivals also exceeded 2019 pre-pandemic levels by 26.9 percent.
Officials at the Korea Tourism Organization attributed the strong performance to the global popularity of Korean pop culture and entertainment. Industry data from the organisation pointed to K-pop, television dramas and other content as central factors drawing visitors from Asia and further afield. Such interest has lifted both arrival numbers and average spending by each tourist.
A separate OECD assessment found Korea’s travel exports rose to $27.2 billion in 2025. That figure reflected a 10.4 percent increase from the year before and accounted for 18.1 percent of total service exports. The multilateral organisation noted tourism’s expanding contribution to the national accounts amid the ongoing recovery.
Further figures released by the Korea Tourism Organization highlighted continued strength in inbound travel during the opening months of 2026. First-quarter arrivals reached a record 4.76 million, up 23 percent on the year. These gains have reinforced the positive momentum in the services trade balance.
