Ministry of Culture: "Record 18.7 Million Inbound Tourists Expected This Year"

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism announced on December 23 that the number of inbound tourists visiting South Korea this year is expected to exceed 18.7 million, surpassing the previous record of 17.5 million set in 2019. This means that, on average, one foreign tourist visits South Korea every 1.68 seconds.

To commemorate the highest-ever number of inbound tourists, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism will hold an event on December 23 under the theme "K-Tourism Embraces the World." At 10 a.m., a welcoming ceremony will take place at Incheon International Airport for the 18.5 millionth inbound tourist. Kim Daehyun, the Second Vice Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, will present a Hanbok scarf and a bouquet to Sharmaine Lee, a Singaporean visitor who is the 18.5 millionth inbound tourist to enter Korea, and a congratulatory ceremony will be held. Sharmaine Lee expressed her feelings about visiting Korea, saying, "I love Korea so much that I have visited more than 10 times," and added, "I plan to spend Christmas and the year-end holidays in Korea to celebrate my birthday on December 24."

Foreign tourists are browsing K-Pop Demon Hunters collaboration products at the Eight Seconds store in Myeongdong, Seoul, on the 17th. [Photo by Yonhap News]

At 3 p.m., a ceremony will be held to mark the 52nd Tourism Day. The event will reflect on the achievements of Korea's tourism industry, including the record-breaking number of inbound tourists this year, and commend tourism industry professionals from regional and sectoral tourism associations who have contributed to the development of tourism. Prime Minister Kim Minseok is scheduled to deliver a video message to express gratitude and encouragement to those in the tourism industry.

Prime Minister Kim Minseok stated, "I extend my gratitude and congratulations to those in the tourism industry who have protected and led the field of 'K-Tourism.' As 'K-Culture' is making waves around the world, the government will strive to achieve the goal of 30 million inbound tourists by 2030 ahead of schedule and to establish Korea as a leading tourism nation where the 'K-Culture' industry can fully blossom, thereby deepening the impact of tourism."

In addition, the government will present awards to those who have contributed to the advancement of the tourism industry, including one Silver Tower Order of Industrial Service Merit, one Bronze Tower Order of Industrial Service Merit, one Iron Tower Order of Industrial Service Merit, three Industrial Service Medals, six Presidential Citations, and eleven Prime Minister's Citations. Since 1974, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has annually selected and honored individuals who have contributed to the development of the Korean tourism industry.

Ko Jaekyung, Chairman of Yellow Balloon Tour, who will receive the Silver Tower Order of Industrial Service Merit, was recognized for creating 650 regular jobs in the tourism sector, attracting 20,000 domestic travelers annually, and bringing in 98,000 city tour bus users (including 34,000 foreigners), thereby contributing to the revitalization of domestic travel.

Woo Kihong, Vice Chairman of Korean Air, who will receive the Bronze Tower Order of Industrial Service Merit, has worked in the aviation industry for about 40 years. In 2024, he helped achieve a record-high revenue of 17.8707 trillion won and contributed to the development of the tourism industry by ensuring the stable operation of the national airline, which led to the influx of large numbers of tourists and the acquisition of foreign currency.

Lee Jungho, CEO of Hoban Hotel & Resort, who will receive the Iron Tower Order of Industrial Service Merit, achieved sales of 238.3 billion won in 2024 and signed industry-academia cooperation agreements with 46 educational institutions to foster tourism talent. By hiring 204 new employees, he also contributed to job creation and the revitalization of the local economy.

In addition, 80 individuals who have devoted themselves to the advancement of the tourism industry in various related fields will receive commendations from the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, and five companies that contributed to earning foreign currency will be awarded the Tourism Promotion Tower.