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Busan tourism tops 2.42 million foreign visitors in first half of 2026
The city said its Janurary to June total is up 43.9% year on year and brings it past the 60% mark toward a 4 million foreign-tourist target for the year.
South Korea’s coastal city of Busan said it attracted more than 2.42 million foreign visitors between January and June 2026, breaking post-pandemic records as arrivals accelerated across Asia. According to municipal data released Thursday, the first-half total rose 43.9% versus the same period last year.
The Korea Times attributed the momentum to a surge of travelers from neighboring markets, plus a blockbuster June stadium concert by BTS. Taiwanese arrivals rose 54.0% year on year to become the top source market, while visitors from mainland China nearly doubled, climbing 90.7%.
Visitors from Taiwan and mainland China together accounted for nearly 40.0% of all arrivals, with US tourist numbers also up 76.4%. The report said European countries such as France and Britain posted substantial gains, helping the tourism rebound translate into a major boost for Busan’s local economy.
Busan said the strong turnout places it on track for its goal of 4 million foreign tourists by year end, noting it had already reached over 60% of the target within six months.