How many foreign tourists visited Korea in July 2026?

Foreign arrivals reached 2.09 million in July, crossing the 2 million mark for the month. That was up 20.8 percent from 1.73 million a year earlier.

Which countries sent the most foreign visitors to Korea in July 2026?

China was the largest source with about 777,000 visitors. Japan followed with 330,000, Taiwan with 261,000, the United States with 150,000 and Hong Kong with 76,000.

How strong was Korea's foreign tourist recovery compared with before the pandemic?

July arrivals reached 144.6 percent of the level in July 2019, meaning they were well above pre-pandemic levels. Taiwan was the standout market, with July arrivals up 129.4 percent from July 2019.

Foreign tourist arrivals to Korea top 2 mil. in July

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Summary

Foreign tourist arrivals in Korea surpassed 2 million in July, rising more than 20 percent from a year earlier and above pre-pandemic levels. The Korea Tourism Organization said arrivals reached 2.09 million last month, or 144.6 percent of July 2019 levels. Chinese tourists were the largest group, followed by visitors from Japan, Taiwan, the United States and Hong Kong. From January through July, Korea received 12.8 million foreign visitors, up 21.3 percent from a year earlier.

Key Facts

Foreign visitor arrivals in July reached 2.09 million, up 20.8 percent from 1.73 million a year earlier.
July arrivals were 144.6 percent of the level recorded in July 2019 before the coronavirus pandemic.
Chinese tourists accounted for about 777,000 arrivals in July, ahead of Japan at 330,000, Taiwan at 261,000, the United States at 150,000 and Hong Kong at 76,000.
Arrivals from Taiwan in July were 129.4 percent higher than in July 2019.
From January through July, Korea received 12.8 million foreign visitors, up 21.3 percent from the same period last year.

By Yonhap

Published Aug 25, 2026 11:31 am KST

Foreign tourists visit Gyeongbok Palace in Seoul, Aug. 17. Yonhap

Foreign tourist arrivals in Korea surpassed 2 million in July, rising more than 20 percent from a year earlier and exceeding pre-pandemic levels, tourism data showed Tuesday.

The number of foreign visitors reached 2.09 million last month, up 20.8 percent from 1.73 million a year earlier, according to figures released by the Korea Tourism Organization.

The total represents 144.6 percent of the arrivals recorded in July 2019, before the coronavirus pandemic severely disrupted international travel.

Chinese tourists made up the largest group with about 777,000 visitors, followed by travelers from Japan at 330,000, Taiwan at 261,000, the United States at 150,000 and Hong Kong at 76,000. Compared with July 2019, arrivals from Taiwan increased by 129.4 percent.

From January through July, Korea received 12.8 million foreign visitors, a 21.3 percent increase from the same period last year.

China remained the largest source of visitors during the January-July period with 3.99 million arrivals, followed by Japan with 2.28 million, Taiwan with 1.41 million, the United States with 960,000 and Hong Kong with 420,000.

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