July Foreign Arrivals Hit Record 2.09 Million

South Korea's Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism reports that 2,093,223 foreign tourists visited the country last July -- the highest monthly figure on record, up 20.8% from a year earlier. By nationality, China led with 777,000 visitors, followed by Japan (330,000), Taiwan (261,000), the U.S. (150,000), and Hong Kong (76,000). Cumulative arrivals for January-July reached 12.8 million, up 21

.3% year-on-year and equivalent to 129.5% of the same period in 2019. Foreign visitors' card spending in Korea reached 10.04 trillion won in the first half of the year, up 50.8% year-on-year. The steady rise means longer waits at popular attractions and restaurants, and possibly higher accommodation and airfare prices during peak periods. With Seoul Welcome Week, the Gyeongju heritage night walk

, and a cluster of East Asian holidays all landing in late September, congestion could intensify further. Travelers with must-see sites on their list should book accommodations and tickets in advance to save time. Korea Tourism Times Editorial Desk