Foreign Tourists Welcomed at Airports as Korea Prepares for 20 Million Visitors

"The photo zone featuring Snoopy in traditional Korean attire is so cute that I immediately took a picture and posted it on social media. I feel great being welcomed right after arriving in the country," said Misaki Sato, a 31-year-old tourist from Japan, who is looking forward to a cafe tour and K-beauty shopping in Korea. The Snoopy character, dressed in a traditional hat and hanbok, has made an appearance at the airport welcome booth, where foreign tourists can take commemorative photos and participate in various activities while receiving information on transportation, shopping, and sightseeing.

As Korea approaches the milestone of 20 million foreign tourists, preparations to welcome visitors are in full swing. Airports are providing essential travel information, while ports welcoming cruise ships are offering guidance on transportation and tourist attractions.

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Tourism Organization have launched the "2026 Fall Welcome Week" from October 30 to November 15 at five locations nationwide, including Incheon and Jeju International Airports, Busan North Port, Yeongdo, and Jeju Gangjeong Cruise Terminal. This initiative is designed to enhance the travel experience for foreign tourists and encourage visits to local attractions in conjunction with the "2026 Korea Grand Festival."

This year, the number of foreign tourists visiting Korea surpassed the previous annual record of 18.94 million on October 27, already exceeding last year's total and nearing the historic milestone of 20 million.

Photo Opportunities with Snoopy and Interest in Jeju Travel

A welcome booth has been set up near gates 7 and 8 in the arrival hall of Incheon International Airport since October 30, and another booth opened on October 31 opposite gate 5 in the international arrivals area of Jeju International Airport. Both locations will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. until November 15.

This welcome week features collaboration with the Jeju Snoopy Garden, incorporating elements of traditional Korean culture into the Peanuts characters Snoopy and Woodstock. The photo zone is decorated with characters wearing traditional hats and hanbok, and four types of souvenirs, including eco-bags, pens, umbrellas, and stickers, are available. Interactive programs such as a roulette game and capsule toy machines are also being offered.

Hao Zhang, a 34-year-old visitor from China, shared, "My child really enjoyed spinning the roulette shaped like a Ferris wheel. After seeing the introduction of Snoopy Garden in Jeju, I’m considering adding it to our itinerary." Having come to see Korea's autumn scenery, he found new travel interests at the welcome booth.

Taiwanese tourist Yu-Ting Lin, 25, came to visit filming locations of K-dramas. "I wanted to see my favorite K-drama filming sites in person. I participated in the social media event and spun the roulette, which was much more fun than I expected," he said.

Tourists have diverse travel motivations, ranging from families wanting to see autumn foliage to those seeking K-beauty, cafes, and drama filming locations. The welcome booth is staffed with personnel fluent in English, Japanese, and Chinese, providing regional and thematic tourist maps and essential travel information.

Support from 29 Companies for Communication, Transportation, Shopping, and K-Culture

A total of 29 companies are participating in this event, including two in telecommunications, two in transportation, four in payment and convenience, nine in shopping, and twelve in tourism and experiences. They are offering benefits across various sectors, from communication and transportation services needed immediately upon arrival to shopping and cultural experiences.

SK Telecom and Wide Mobile are providing discounts related to communication, while the Airport Railroad is offering transportation discounts and souvenirs. Companies like Orange Square, which operates Wowpass, UnionPay International, and Hanpass are also providing payment-related benefits.

In the shopping sector, major duty-free shops such as Lotte, Shilla, and Shinsegae, along with key department stores, Hyundai Outlet, and Olive Young, are participating, offering discounts, membership benefits, and souvenirs. In the tourism and experience sector, platforms like WAUG, Arte Museum, Aqua Planet, the performance "Nanta," and K-pop dance experience providers are also involved.

Foreign tourists can learn about various benefits at the welcome booth and utilize them according to their travel schedules. This initiative connects tourists with essential services needed during their travels, supporting their mobility and sightseeing activities.

Tailored Guidance for Cruise Tourists

The welcome events are also taking place at cruise terminals in Busan and Jeju. On November 3, the Busan North Port and Yeongdo will welcome foreign disembarking passengers, followed by the Jeju Gangjeong Cruise Terminal on November 9.

Since cruise tourists have limited time at port, it is crucial for them to quickly understand transportation options and the locations of major facilities. Therefore, the port authorities have structured their guidance around frequently asked questions. Information on transportation between the port and the city, public transport boarding locations, currency exchange offices, restrooms, and luggage storage facilities will be provided in English, Japanese, and Chinese, along with directions to nearby tourist attractions and shopping facilities.

Cards displaying the addresses of major tourist sites around Busan Port and Jeju Gangjeong Port will be distributed in multiple languages to assist tourists in using taxis or finding their destinations. Tourist maps and free Wi-Fi will also be available.

A multilingual survey will be conducted to understand tourists' travel activity plans, ensuring that necessary information is provided while also gauging what activities tourists wish to engage in during their short stays.

Farewell Events with Information for Future Visits

Farewell events for foreign tourists concluding their trips to Korea will be held on November 7 and 14 at the departure hall of Incheon International Airport's Terminal 1 from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., where farewell cards and souvenirs will be distributed.

The farewell cards will include a QR code linking to the Korean tourism information site "Visit Korea," allowing tourists to explore regional tourism information and plan their next trips even after returning home. A survey will also be conducted to assess satisfaction with their visit and their intention to return.

Welcome videos will be shown at four locations in the arrival hall of Incheon International Airport's Terminal 1, while farewell videos will be broadcast on 16 digital screens in the departure halls of Terminals 1 and 2. Details of the events can also be found on the welcome week website, which operates in English, Japanese, and Chinese.

Han Hye-ri, Secretary General of the Korea Tourism Organization, stated, "We will continue to expand cooperation with private companies and local governments to enhance tourist convenience throughout their journey from arrival to departure, ensuring that positive experiences in Korea lead to repeat visits through various initiatives."