The Ministry of Economy and Finance has announced a comprehensive strategy to revitalize foreign tourism and increase tourism revenue, targeting 30 million inbound tourists and $30 billion (41.427 trillion won) by 2027. The plan, unveiled on June 17, aims to align systems with current tourism trends to boost numbers and revenue.
In 2019, South Korea welcomed 17.5 million inbound tourists, a number that plummeted to 970,000 in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, recovery has been swift, with 11.03 million tourists recorded in 2023. The Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism’s ambitious goal reflects the need to adapt to post-pandemic travel behaviors.
Individual travel has surged, with tourists increasingly seeking cultural experiences over shopping. The average stay has decreased from 7.2 days in 2018 to 6.5 days in 2023, largely due to a younger demographic drawn by K-content. To accommodate these changes, the government will address long-term stay challenges and improve access to transportation and tourist information.
A key initiative is the introduction of a “K-Culture Training Visa,” allowing foreigners training in K-pop and other fields to stay longer without frequent renewals. Additionally, a “regional specialized digital nomad” visa will enable remote workers to stay for up to a year while enjoying Korea’s tourism offerings.
Efforts to streamline immigration include reducing visa issuance periods for tourists from Southeast Asia and expanding the electronic travel authorization system (K-ETA). New measures will simplify entry for group tourists and cruise passengers, including passport automatic recognition and unmanned inspection stations.
To enhance convenience, the government plans to expand transportation services and introduce foreigner-only transportation cards and short-term public transportation passes. Programs showcasing ‘K-lifestyle’ experiences, such as ‘chimaek’ (chicken and beer) and instant photo shoots, will be expanded, and new complex facility districts will combine accommodations, leisure, and shopping in one area.
The government will also improve the process for duty-free refunds and manage local festival prices to prevent excessive charges. The “hands-free tourism” service, allowing tourists to check luggage in advance, will be expanded, and domestic map app reviews will be translated into multiple languages to enhance usability for foreign tourists.
These measures aim to make South Korea a more attractive destination, aligning with the country’s goal of revitalizing its tourism industry and boosting economic growth through increased tourism revenue.
