[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Nahum] Last year, the number of foreigners visiting Korea decreased by more than 80% due to the impact of COVID-19.
The Korea Tourism Organization announced on the 5th that the number of foreign visitors to Korea last year was 2,519,000, a decrease of 85.6% compared to the previous year.
By nationality, China recorded 686,000 visitors, down 88.6%, and Japan had 431,000 visitors, down 86.8%.
Additionally, the United States (220,000) decreased by 78.9%, Taiwan (167,000) by 86.8%, the Philippines (116,000) by 77.0%, and Hong Kong (89,000) by 87.2%, respectively.
The sharp decline in foreign visitors to Korea was due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, which led to border closures in many countries, making overseas travel virtually impossible.
China significantly reduced its flight routes after the end of March last year, and Japan imposed entry and exit restrictions on visitors for tourism purposes.
Taiwan has banned the recruitment of group tourists. North American and European countries are also continuing travel bans abroad considering the COVID-19 situation.
The number of Koreans traveling abroad last year was 4,276,000, a decrease of 85.1% compared to the previous year.
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