Key Tourist Sources.

South Korea is rapidly emerging as a global tourism powerhouse, riding on the wave of its burgeoning cultural exports and dynamic appeal. The rise of K-pop, K-dramas, and Korean beauty products has sparked a worldwide fascination, drawing tourists to experience the rich culture, vibrant cities, and natural landscapes that the country has to offer. The growing interest in Korean culture and entertainment, known as the Hallyu wave, has paved the way for South Korea to position itself as a premier global travel destination.

Here are the key tourist sources for your destination:

United States

With over 80 million potential tourists and an outbound tourism spending of $186 billion annually, the United States represents a significant opportunity for South Korea’s tourism sector. American travelers, who spend an average of $2,000 per trip, are increasingly drawn to South Korea due to the growing influence of Korean culture, particularly K-pop and K-dramas. With a social media audience of over 239 million and 16.7 million fans of Korean culture, the U.S. market holds vast potential for attracting high-value, culturally engaged tourists to South Korea.

Potential tourists

80 million

Outbound tourism spending

$186 billion ($2,000/trip)

Growing interest in South Korea

91.2%

Social media audience size

239 million

Korean culture fans

16.7 million

India

India, with a rapidly growing number of outbound tourists—50 million annually—and a rising spending power of $31 billion, offers a high-growth potential for South Korea's tourism. Indian travelers spend an average of $2,500 per trip, making them valuable contributors to the tourism industry. With an incredible 104.6% growth in interest in South Korea and 15 million fans of Korean culture, India is emerging as a crucial market for South Korean destinations seeking to attract young, tech-savvy, and culturally curious travelers.

Potential tourists

50 million

Outbound tourism spending

$31 billion ($2,500/trip)

Growing interest in South Korea

104.6%

Social media audience size

462 million

Korean culture fans

15 million

Europe

Europe, home to 90 million potential tourists with outbound spending of $50 billion annually, presents a significant opportunity for South Korea. European travelers, spending $1,500 per trip on average, are increasingly interested in exploring South Korea’s diverse cultural and natural attractions. With a social media audience of over 680 million and 13.2 million fans of Korean culture, the European market offers strong potential for growth, driven by the growing appreciation for K-culture, food, and experiences unique to South Korea.

Potential tourists

90 million

Outbound tourism spending

$50 billion ($1,500/trip)

Growing interest in South Korea

97.4%

Social media audience size

680 million

Korean culture fans

13.2 million

Lets make your destination the must-visit place in South Korea for these tourists.