Record 8.32 Million Foreign Tourists Visit Seoul in First Half of 2026

In the first half of 2026, Seoul welcomed a record 8.32 million foreign tourists, who also set a new high for credit card spending.

According to the Seoul Metropolitan Government, the number of foreign visitors from January to June increased by 21.3% compared to the same period last year. Among them, the largest group was from China, totaling 2.47 million, followed by Japan with 1.5 million, Taiwan with 880,000, and the United States with 620,000.

During the same period, foreign tourists' credit card spending reached 5.6172 trillion won, marking a 56.8% increase from the previous year. Both the number of visitors and credit card spending are at all-time highs. Monthly credit card spending surpassed 1 trillion won for the first time in April and continued to exceed that mark in May and June.

Notably, the increase in spending outpaced the rise in visitor numbers. Officials attribute this trend to a growing number of tourists who are not only visiting major attractions but also experiencing Seoul's culture and daily life through K-content, festivals, the Han River, and culinary, beauty, and wellness activities, which has extended their stay and spending opportunities.

In terms of spending by sector, shopping accounted for the largest share at 46.4%, followed by healthcare and wellness at 24.4%. Food and beverage services made up 13.1%, while accommodation represented 10.7%.

Regionally, 65% of total spending occurred in three areas: Gangnam, Jung-gu, and Mapo. Gangnam accounted for 29.3% of foreign credit card spending, followed by Jung-gu at 28.4% and Mapo at 7.3%.

The Han River is also evolving into a destination for experiential tourism, combining performances, festivals, and activities. The 'Seoul Spring Festival 2026' expanded its reach across the Han River, attracting 7.06 million visitors, including 1.17 million foreigners, during the event. Revenue for businesses at the Han River bus terminal increased by 257% compared to the previous year.

In the second half of the year, the city plans to enhance 'night economy' initiatives, allowing foreign tourists to enjoy Seoul not just during the day but also in the evening and at night by expanding night tourism content in the Han River and urban areas. The goal is to connect major tourist attractions with nearby dining, shopping, and cultural experiences to increase tourists' mobility and length of stay.

To translate the increase in visitor numbers into tangible tourism revenue and stimulate the local economy, the city is also accelerating the development of high-value tourism sectors such as medical tourism, MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions), and premium tourism.

In the medical tourism sector, the city plans to establish a one-stop platform that connects medical services, visas, accommodation, and tourism, and to increase the number of medical tourism interpreters from 108 to 1,000.

In the MICE sector, the city aims to expand 'bleisure' tourism programs that combine business and leisure, allowing international conference participants to experience more of Seoul before and after their business schedules. The Seoul MICE Plaza will also enhance its role as a workation hub to encourage longer stays and repeat visits.

Cho Seong-ho, head of the Seoul Tourism and Sports Bureau, stated, "We will continue to expand diverse tourism content to sustain the growth of tourism in Seoul. In the second half of the year, we will closely link experiential tourism content with local businesses, allowing tourists to enjoy various parts of Seoul and ensuring that the benefits extend to local economies and neighborhoods."