More Foreign Tourists Than Busan Residents... 1.93 Million in May, On Track for 4 Million This Year

Up 40% Through May, Driven by Cruise and Long-Stay Tourism

"Growth in Both Chinese Visitors and Tourist Spending"

Foreign tourists are pouring into Busan. This year, the number of foreign visitors to Busan is expected to far exceed the city’s population.

As of this year, the number of foreign tourists visiting Busan is approaching 2 million, continuing a record-breaking pace of growth. The recovery in Chinese tourism, the revitalization of cruise travel, and the expansion of long-term stay tourism have all contributed to raising expectations of reaching the annual goal of attracting 4 million visitors.

On July 6, Busan Metropolitan City (Mayor Jeon Jae-soo) announced that 1,936,572 foreign tourists visited Busan from January to May this year. After surpassing the 1 million mark in the first quarter—the fastest pace on record—Busan has already achieved 48.4% of its annual target of 4 million visitors.

This represents a 40% increase compared to the 1,383,758 visitors during the same period last year, significantly outpacing the national average growth rate of 21%. By country, Taiwan accounted for the most visitors with 375,322, followed by China with 359,981, Japan with 233,685, and the United States with 170,587.

The increase in Chinese tourists was particularly notable. In May alone, Busan attracted 89,275 Chinese tourists—a 22.7% increase from the previous month, and a 94% rise from the same month last year. This stands in contrast to the nationwide decline in Chinese tourist numbers.

The city has implemented several initiatives, including operating the cruise terminal 24 hours a day for overnight (1-night, 2-day) cruises—the first such measure in the country—supporting cruise packages that combine air and rail transport, and developing shore excursion programs linked to local festivals.

As a result, the number of Chinese tourists entering through Busan Port in May soared to 26,556, a 901.4% increase compared to the same month last year.

Tourists from the United States and Europe also continued to rise. In May, the number of American tourists reached 41,324, up 80.1% from the same month last year. French tourists increased by 89.2%, and British tourists by 44.7%.

Busan City analyzed that strengthening promotions through major overseas media outlets and ramping up marketing via global online travel platforms (OTAs) since March has contributed to diversifying the tourism market.

With the increase in tourists, the scale of tourist spending has also expanded. According to big data from credit card transactions compiled by the Korea Tourism Data Lab of the Korea Tourism Organization, Busan has maintained the second-highest total foreign tourist expenditure nationwide, following Seoul, since March.

In May, foreign tourist spending reached 132.2 billion won, more than 2.5 times higher than in January. The cumulative expenditure from January to May this year was tallied at 454.4 billion won.

Major Hallyu (Korean Wave) events are also leading to longer stays. According to a survey conducted last month at the "BTS THE CITY Arirang Busan Welcome Center Check-In Busan" event, 46% of foreign respondents were repeat visitors to Busan, and 40.2% stayed for four nights or more. In addition, 59.1% expressed a desire to visit traditional markets, indicating potential for increased local market spending.

Busan City plans to further expand collaboration with global travel platforms in the second half of the year, promote the Visit Busan Pass, introduce amphibious tour buses and marine tourism taxis, and continue developing cruise shore excursion programs.

The city also plans to broaden long-stay tourism products tied to events such as the Busan Fireworks Festival, Byeolbada Busan Night Festa, and gourmet festivals, aiming to attract more foreign tourists and boost local consumption.

Busan City Hall.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.