Tourism in South Korea

Tourism in South Korea refers to the tourist industry in the Republic of Korea. In 2012, 11.1 million foreign tourists visited South Korea, making it the 20th most visited country in the world, and the 5th most visited in Asia. 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. 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. Traveling to North Korea is not normally possible without a special permission.
Korean tourism industry
The majority of the South Korean tourist industry is supported by domestic tourism. Thanks to the country's extensive network of trains and buses, most of the country lies within a day's round trip of any major city.
International tourists come primarily from nearby countries or regions in Asia. Japan, mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan together account for roughly 75% of the total number of international tourists. In addition, the Korean Wave has brought increasing numbers of tourists from Southeast Asia and India. The Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) is targeting 100,000 arrivals from India in 2013.
Travel destinations of Korean tourists
The number of Korean domestic tourists has increased since 2010. The number of people who participated in domestic travel (which includes one-day trips) was about 238.3 million (in 2015). It increased by 4.9% compared to 2014 (227.1 million). In 2014, Korean's domestic tourism expenditure was ₩14.4 trillion.
Also, Korean oversea tourists keep increasing since 2010. From 2012 to 2014, the number of people travelling overseas has risen by about 8.2% on average. In 2014, number of Korean oversea tourists was about 16.1 million. And Korean oversea tourism expenditure was $19,469.9 million.
History
In the past, South Koreans were not likely to travel overseas, due to the Korean War and subsequent economic difficulties, as well as government restrictions on overseas travel, with passports issued only for a narrow range of reasons, such as traveling abroad on government businesses, for technical training, and so on. Since the 1960s, overseas travel restrictions and regulations have been continuously reviewed to prevent foreign currency waste from traveling abroad. However, during the 1980s, the liberalization of international travel has begun to take place in catering to the globalization of the South Korea society. Since then, South Koreans have been able to travel freely abroad.
The busy lifestyle of modern South Koreans, leading to difficulties in mediating vacations with family or friends, and the increase in one-person households, have contributed to the growing number of South Koreans traveling alone. Therefore, the popularity of destinations close to South Korea, where South Koreans can go for short vacations alone, are increasing. According to the results of a plane ticket analysis in 2016, the top foreign destination for South Koreans is Osaka, followed by Bangkok and Tokyo. Moreover, Osaka, Tokyo, and Shanghai have high re-visit rates for South Koreans. However European destinations such as London, Paris, and Rome have fallen in re-visit rating, due to geographical distances, expensive air fares and high costs.
International tourists typically enter the country through Incheon International Airport, near Seoul, which was found to be the world's best airport in 2006. Also international airports in Busan and Jeju are frequently used.
Statistics
In 2013, travel and tourism (domestic and international) directly contributed KRW26.7 trillion to South Korean GDP and directly supported 617,500 jobs in the country.
In 2018, travel and tourism based on international expenditure directly contributed KRW 16.7 trillion to the South Korean GDP and directly supported 1.4 million jobs, this represented 5.3% of the total employment in the country (OECD).
In 2019, the contribution of travel and tourism to the Korean GDP was up 4.2% of the total economy (KRW 81.4 billion). Which accounted for 4.8% of total employment (1.3%). The impact of international visitors accounted for KRW 26.5 billion (World Travel and Tourism Council).
Spending habits include
Leisure spending 82% vs. Business spending 18%
Domestic spending 55% vs. International spending 45%
According to the numbers in the graph, leisure spending is 64% higher than business spending while domestic spending is only 10% higher than international spending.
Arrivals
Visitors arriving to South Korea for tourism by nationality:
China
China has been South Korea's largest tourism source for years. In 2016, visitors from China made up 46.8% of tourists in South Korea. However China imposed the group tour ban after the US military started to deploy the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system in South Korea. From April 2017, Chinese tourists plummeted by more than 60% compared to the previous year. In recent years, the South Korean tourism industry has made it a long term goal to reduce dependency on Chinese tourists.
Japan
Since Lee Myung-bak's visit to the Liancourt Rocks and his demand for an apology from the Emperor of Japan over Japanese colonialism in Korea in 2012, the Japanese public's image of South Korea deteriorated significantly. Japanese tourists to South Korea declined by half from 3.5 million in 2012 to 1.8 million in 2015, while South Korean tourists to Japan doubled from 2 million in 2012 to 4 million in 2015.
Domestic tourist
Destination in Korea
Departure
Tourist attractions
South Korea's historical tourist attractions include the ancient capitals of Seoul, Gyeongju and Buyeo.
Some natural landmarks include the peaks of the Baekdudaegan, particularly Seorak-san and Jiri-san, the caves of Danyang and Hwanseongul, and beaches such as Haeundae and Mallipo.
Apart from Jeju island, there are many smaller islands. Excursion ferries are quite common along the south and west coasts and also to Ulleung-do Island, off the east coast. Limited tourism mainly by South Koreans to the Liancourt Rocks (Dokdo) has grown in recent years as a result of the political status of the rocks.
Many local districts hold annual festivals, such as the Boryeong Mud Festival and the Cheongdo Bullfighting Festival.
Major tourist destinations
Seoul
The population of Seoul is 9,981,673 and it's the largest city in South Korea. As many people gather, there are many cultural spaces such as festivals, performances, shopping places, and tourist attractions in Seoul.
To foreigners, Seoul is an attractive place because traditional Korean culture and modern culture co-exists.
In addition, people in South Korea come to Seoul to enjoy various cultural activities. Due to the metropolitan area centralization of the cultural infrastructure, there is a cultural gap between Seoul and other regions. According to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, 36.4 percent of the total cultural infrastructure such as public library, museum, and art galleries are concentrated in Seoul. Therefore, many people in South Korea travel to Seoul.
Gyeongbokgung Palace
Changdeokgung Palace
Deoksugung Palace
Gwanghwamun Square
Fortress Wall of Seoul
63 Building
N Seoul Tower
Bukchon Hanok Village
War Memorial of Korea
Jogyesa Temple
National Museum of Korea
Cheonggyecheon
Busan
Busan is the second largest city in South Korea. It is located in the southeastern coast in Korea, so Busan has abundant tourist attractions such as beach and hot spring. People in South Korea visit beaches in Busan in hot summer. Also, there are various festivals in Busan. 11 festivals are held annually, including local festivals and art events. Busan sea festival is held every August and Busan International Film Festival is held every October. Jagalchi Cultural Festival is developed into a representative cultural tourism festival in Korea. Because of these various festivals and places, many people travel to Busan. Also, the influence of Social Network Service made Busan a popular tourist attraction. The official Facebook of the Busan Culture and Tourism Ministry and official blog sites promote the tourist attractions in Busan.
Haeundae Beach
Beomeosa Temple
Haedong Yonggungsa Temple
Geumjeongsanseong Fortress
Dongnaeeupseong Fortress
Dongnae-hyangyo Confucian Academy
Chungnyeolsa Shrine
Gukje Market
Daegu
Palgongsan Mountain
Donghwasa Temple
Cathedral of Our Lady of Lourdes in Daegu
Dalseong Park
Gyeongsang-gamyeong Park
Old House of Lee Sang-hwa
Daegu-hyanggyo Confucian Academy
Incheon
Songdo Central Park
Jeondeungsa Temple
Chamseongdan Altar
Chinatown
Wolmido Island
Gwangseongbo Fortress
Gwangju
May 18th National Cemetery
Mudeungsan National Park
Gwangju Folk Museum
Gwangju National Museum
Jeungsimsa Temple
Daejeon
Hanbat Arboretum
Yuseong Hot Springs
Expo Park
Daejeon Museum of Art
Gyeonggi Province
Suwon — Suwon Hwaseong Fortress
Gwangju (Gyeonggi) — Namhansanseong Fortress
Kuri — Donggureung Tomb Cluster
Paju — DMZ, Panmunjeom
Yongin — Everland, Korean Folk Village, Yongin Daejanggeum Park
Gapyeong — The Garden of Morning Calm
Gangwon Province
Sokcho — Seoraksan, Ulsanbawi, Sinheungsa Temple
Gangneung — Ojukheon, Seongyojang, birthplace of Yul Gok, Gyeongpo Lake
Pyeongchang — Woljeongsa, Odaesan, Daegwallyeong Stock Farm
Donghae
Yangyang — Naksansa Temple
Samcheok — Samcheok Railbike, Hwanseong and Daegeum Caves, Haesindang Park, Samcheok Rose Park, Samcheok, Jeungsan, Yonghwa, Maengbang and Jangho Beaches
Wonju — Gangwon Gamyeong, Guryongsa Temple, Park Kyung-ni Literature Park
Jeongseon — Molundae
Hongcheon — Suta Temple
Goseong
Yeongwol — Jangreung, Eorayeon, Gossigul, Kimsatgat Sites, Cheongryeongpo, Youngwol dahanu Village
Byeolmaro Observatory, Donggang Photo Museum, Bongraesan Mountain. Hanbando terrain in Soyanggang River
Taebaek — Taebaek Mountain, Manggyeongsa Temple, Taebaek Mountains Literature Park, Hwangji Pond
Cheolwon — Cheorwon Peace Observatory, Memorial Tower of the Baekma Goji (Korean War)
Hoengseong — Seong Sammum's Tomb, Noeundan, Baekyasa
Inje —
Yanggu —
Hwacheon —
North Chungcheong Province
Boeun — Beopjusa Temple, Songnisan National Park, Samnyeonsanseong Fortress, Seon Byeong-guk House, Songnisan National Park
Danyang — Guinsa Temple, Gosu Cave, Danyang Ondal Cave, Dodamsambong Peaks
Cheongju — Cheongju National Museum, Cheongnamdae, Sangdangsanseong Fortress
Jincheon — Bell Museum, Botapsa Temple
South Chungcheong Province
Gongju — Tomb of King Muryeong, Gongsanseong, Magoksa Temple, Donghaksa Temple, Gapsa Temple, Seonhwadang, Gongju National Museum
Buyeo — Buyeo National Museum (Gilt-bronze Incense Burner of Baekje), Five storied stone pagoda of Jeongnimsa Temple site, Gungnamji, Nakhwa-am, Muryangsa Temple, Baekje Royal Tombs (Neungsan-ri Ancient Tombs)
Cheonan — The independence hall of Korea, Gakwonsa Temple
Seosan — Rock-carved triad buddha, Haemieupseong Fortress
Nonsan — Mireuk-bosal at Gwanchoksa Temple
North Jeolla Province
Jeonju — Jeonju Hanok Village, Jeondong Catholic Church, Gyeonggijeon Shrine, Hanji Museum, Royal Portrait Museum, Jeonju Gaeksa, Jeonjuhyanggyo Confucian School
Namwon — Gwanghallu Pavilion, Chunhyang Theme Park, Manin Cemetery of Righteous Fighters, Silsangsa Temple, Gyoryong Sanseong Fortress
Gochang — Gochangeupseong Fortress, Seonunsa Temple, Pansori Museum
Iksan — Mireuksaji Pagoda,
Gimje — Geumsansa Temple
Gunsan — Hirotsu House, Dongguksa Temple
Buan — Tapsa Temple, Byeonsanbando National Park
South Jeolla Province
Yeosu — Jinnamgwan Hall, Hyangiram, Yi Sun Shin Square
Suncheon — Songgwangsa Temple, Seonamsa Temple, Nagan Eupseong Folk Village
Mokpo — Mokpo Modern History Museum, Gatbawi Rock, Yudal Mountain
Haenam — Ttangggut (End of the Land) Village, Mihwangsa Temple
Gurye — Hwaeomsa Temple
Damyang — Damyang Juknokwon, Metasequoia-lined Road, Soswaewon Garden
Boseong — Boseong Green Tea Field Daehan Dawon
Wando — Cheongsan island (slow city)
North Gyeongsang Province
Gyeongju — Bulguksa Temple, Seokguram, Anapji Pond, Gyeongju National Museum, Cheonmachong Tomb, Cheomseongdae Observatory, Yangdong Folk Village, Bunhwangsaji (Bunhwangsa Temple Site)
Andong — Hahoe Folk Village, Hahoe Mask Museum, Dosanseowon Confucian School, Byeongsanseowon Confucian School, Wollyeongo Bridge
Yeongju — Buseoksa Temple
Mungyeong — Mungyeong Saejae Provincial Park
Ulleung — Dokdo Island
South Gyeongsang Province
Yangsan — Tongdosa Temple
Hapcheon — Haeinsa Temple
Tongyeong — Dongpirang Wall Painting Village
Jinju — Jinjuseong, National Jinju Museum
Geoje — Historic Park of Geoje POW Camp, Sinseondae
Namhae — Gacheon Daerangi Village, Namhae German Village
Gimhae — Tomb of King Suro, Tomb of Queen Heo Hwang-ok
Changnyeong — Upo Wetland
Miryang — Yeongnamnu, Pyochungsa, Eoreumgol Valley
Jeju Special Self-governing Province
Mount Halla
Cheonjeyeon and Cheonjiyeon waterfalls
Hallim Park
Yakcheonsa Temple
Manjanggul
Jeju Stone Statue Park
Events
South Korea has hosted many international events, including the 1988 Summer Olympics, the 1993 Taejon Expo, the 2002 FIFA World Cup (jointly hosted with Japan), the 2005 APEC conference, the 2010 G-20 Seoul summit, the 2014 Asian Games, and the 2018 Winter Olympics.
See also
Visa policy of South Korea
Medical tourism in South Korea
KTO (Korea Tourism Organization)
Tourism in North Korea
Tourism in Gyeongju
List of South Korean tourist attractions
References
0. For entering South Korea, individuals must apply ETA “K-ETA” for visiting visa free program for tourists.
Further reading
External links
The Korea Tourism Organization's London office website for info on travelling from the UK to Korea
Tour2Korea, the Korea Tourism Organization's website
Ministry of Culture and Tourism
South Korea