2026-09-14
Busan sets tourism records in consecutive months
source: Busan Tourism ArchiveBusan welcomed 2,927,674 international visitors from January to July, putting the city on track to reach its goal of 4 million international visitors for the year. The figure represents a 46.1% year-over-year increase and already accounts for 73.2% of the city’s yearly target. Busan saw its highest monthly visitor total of the year in July, when 507,045 international tourists visited the city. This surpassed the previous monthly record of 484,057 visitors set in June, setting a new high for a consecutive month. With monthly visitor counts generally ranging between 400,000 and 500,000, Busan was expected to surpass the 3 million mark in early August, needing just over 72,000 more visitors to reach the milestone. Last year, the city passed the 3-million threshold for the first time in October, while this year, it was expected to reach the figure two months earlier. The city will release the official August figures at the end of September.In July alone, Taiwan ranked first with 128,000 visitors, followed by China with 125,000, Japan with 49,000 and the United States with 40,000. The latest figures also point to particularly strong growth from the U.S. market. From January to July, visitors from the United States rose 78.4% year over year, from 145,535 to 259,675. Given the current lack of direct flights between the two destinations, the sharp increase suggests that Busan is extending its reach beyond nearby Asian markets and gaining traction as a destination for long-haul travelers. The influx of international visitors is also driving higher spending in the city. International visitors’ card spending in Busan reached 742.3 billion won from January to July, up 50.8% from the same period last year. This put Busan second nationwide, behind Seoul. Medical tourism spending was particularly notable, soaring 118.4% year over year and giving Busan a 37% share of medical tourism spending outside Seoul. Building on this momentum, Busan plans to further strengthen its tourism sector through a series of major events and visitor-focused initiatives. Starting in September, “2026 Busan Global City Week” will bring together the city and its global partner cities to strengthen cooperation and expand international networks. October will also be packed with major international events, including Festival Shiwol, the Busan International Rock Festival, Busan UN Week, and the Global City Tourism Summit. The city is also rolling out measures to make travel more convenient for international visitors. Visit Busan Pass kiosks will be installed at Gimhae International Airport and Busan Station, allowing travelers to purchase the pass conveniently at major transportation hubs. Busan will also upgrade its tourism information systems at popular attractions across the city, making it easier for visitors to find the information they need and enjoy a more seamless travel experience. <Today's Vocabulary - 오늘의 단어>surpass: 능가하다 consecutive: 연속되는 traction: 견인 strengthen: 강화하다 conveniently: 편리하게Editor: Song SoomiCopy Editors: Ryu Hyoseung, Anton J. Mapoy
