Travel
Busan welcomes 1.38 million foreign tourists in first half of 2024
haps magazine korea
September 15, 2024
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In the first half of 2024, Busan attracted 1.38 million foreign tourists, surpassing pre-pandemic levels and highlighting the city’s rapid recovery as a global tourism destination.
Key markets included Taiwan (225,015 visitors), Japan (210,008 visitors), China (190,310 visitors), the USA (108,664 visitors), and the Philippines (68,434 visitors).
This significant recovery, doubling the number of foreign visitors compared to the same period last year, is attributed to several factors.
Busan’s rising global city brand, the development of unique cultural and tourism content, and advancements in tourist reception systems and marketing efforts have all played crucial roles.
Busan’s brand strength has been recognized through various international accolades, including ranking 14th globally in the Smart Center Index (SCI) and being listed as one of the “World’s Most Beautiful Beach Cities” by the New York Times.
The diversification of tourist origins also stands out, with increased visits from countries like Vietnam, Hong Kong, Thailand, Indonesia, and Singapore, showcasing Busan’s growing appeal as a global tourist destination.
To further solidify its status as a global tourism hub, Busan has unveiled a bold vision to attract 3 million foreign tourists annually by 2026.
The city plans to implement five major strategies and 15 key projects to enhance its tourism competitiveness and infrastructure.
These initiatives will focus on developing high-end cultural and tourism content, improving the visitor experience, and expanding Busan’s global reach.
Additionally, the city aims to improve the accuracy and reliability of foreign tourist data by collaborating with the Busan Tourism Organization on research services and field surveys, ensuring a solid foundation for future tourism policy and strategy.