SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA / RankWire.AI / – South Korea reported a tourism surplus of $596.6 million in June 2026, marking its most robust monthly figure since the COVID-19 pandemic began. This result reflects a $1.44 billion improvement compared to June 2025, when the country experienced an $846.8 million deficit. According to data from the Korea Tourism Organization, June’s surplus ranks as the second-highest monthly tourism balance ever recorded, with only October 2008 surpassing it at $661.5 million.
The tourism balance had been in deficit for 72 straight months from March 2020 through February 2026. January 2026 alone saw a shortfall of $1.4034 billion, followed by a $1.0993 billion deficit in February. The situation shifted in March when the balance turned positive with a $263.8 million surplus. This upward trend continued into April, with a $159.9 million surplus, and May at $220.5 million, leading into the positive momentum carried through June.
In June, tourism revenue reached $2.784 billion, while total tourism expenditures were $2.1874 billion. Foreign visitors spent an average of $1,397 per individual during the month, whereas outbound South Korean travelers spent an average of $1,091 each. This difference between receipts and expenditures resulted in the fourth consecutive month of a surplus, a notable turnaround from the deficits seen earlier in 2026.
Increase in International Arrivals Contributes to June Growth
In June, South Korea welcomed 1,993,128 international visitors, representing a 23.1% rise from the same month last year, according to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. China remained the leading source market with 649,582 visitors, which is a 36.2% increase over June 2025. Japan followed with 348,216 arrivals, up 21.3%. Other notable countries included Taiwan with 223,127 visitors, alongside arrivals from the Americas totaling 219,948, and Europe with 119,445 visitors.
Overall, international arrivals for the first half of 2026 reached 10,709,919, a 21% increase compared to the previous year. Additionally, foreign tourist credit card spending hit 10.0389 trillion won during this period, which is a 50.8% rise. June alone accounted for 2.0544 trillion won in card expenditures, up 66.4% year-over-year. The Korea Tourism Organization also reported 395,246 international arrivals through regional airports in June, reflecting a 42.5% increase.
Tourism Expenditure Continues to Rise Alongside Visitor Numbers
Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism also highlighted growth from markets beyond Korea’s primary Asian source countries. Arrivals from the Americas totaled 1,077,287 during the first half, marking a 12.7% increase from the previous year. European visitors increased by 20.2%, reaching 738,943, while other long-haul destinations also saw gains. The United States contributed 811,974 visitors up to June, an 11.1% rise, and Canada added 157,003 arrivals, which is a 17.1% increase.
The positive trend in June’s tourism balance follows three years of annual deficits exceeding $10 billion, with the figures reaching $10.38 billion in 2023, $10.21 billion in 2024, and $10.76 billion in 2025. By June 2026, the monthly tourism balance had stayed in positive territory for four consecutive months. The surplus of $596.6 million in June marked the largest monthly tourism profit since the pandemic and the second-highest figure ever recorded, underscoring a significant recovery in South Korea’s tourism industry.