Are you coming to Korea?

Hello. I'm Alfonso, the organizer for KOREA beyond DMZ. Today, I want to discuss the big picture regarding foreign tourists visiting Korea. KTO (Korea Tourism Organization) recently released the latest statistics about the number of foreign visitors to Korea from September 2023 to August 2024. I sorted out the top 22 countries sending visitors to Korea except for airline crew members, as below.

Nearby Asian countries like China, Japan, Taiwan, and Southeast Asia dominate the table above. Additionally, visitors from the USA, Canada, Australia, and European countries like Russia, France, Germany, the UK, and Italy frequently visit Korea. (You may go here if you want to learn more about this.)

In my experience, having led over 400 tour groups, I have noticed distinct differences between what tourists from North America/Europe and nearby Asian countries seek. Tourists from the USA, Canada, Australia, and the UK typically show a keen interest in Korean history, visiting palaces and the DMZ, and are eager to understand the nation's past and present politics, culture, society, and economy. Conversely, tourists from neighboring Asian countries often focus more on Korea's natural scenery and cultural experiences, such as trying on traditional Korean costumes and Korean pop culture. Consequently, Asian tourists seem to spend more time taking photos and shopping than their North American and European counterparts. However, the influence of social media means young people everywhere, regardless of origin, are enthusiastic about selfies and constantly capture moments with their cameras.

When planning your trip to Korea, deciding how long to stay, where to lodge, and what to see might be overwhelming. I am happy to share a handy website to help you create a comprehensive travel plan. I recommend the KTO's website for foreigners as a well-organized guide to Korea. Ironically, however, I worry that you might not need to rely on my blog further after visiting the website. 😅

Foreign tourists generally spend about a week in Korea, visiting popular destinations like Seoul, Busan, and Jeju Island. However, as shown on the tourism website, I strongly recommend venturing beyond these typical tourist spots to experience Korea's authentic flavors and charm, away from crowded and conventional touristic locations. If you have any questions or thoughts, please feel free to leave a comment below. Let’s embark on a Korean journey together!✔️