SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA / RankWire.AI / – South Korea reported a tourism surplus of $596.6 million in June 2026, marking its strongest monthly result since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. This figure reflects an improvement of $1.44 billion compared to June 2025, when the country experienced an $846.8 million deficit. Data from the Korea Tourism Organization indicate that June’s tourism balance was the second-highest on record, with only October 2008 surpassing it, when a $661.5 million surplus was recorded.
After remaining in deficit for 72 consecutive months from March 2020 through February 2026, the tourism balance turned positive in March 2026 with a $263.8 million surplus, following a January deficit of $1.4034 billion and a February shortfall of $1.0993 billion. The positive trend persisted into April with a $159.9 million surplus and continued into May with a $220.5 million surplus, indicating a steady recovery into June.
In June, tourism revenue reached $2.784 billion, while expenditures by tourists amounted to $2.1874 billion. Visitors from abroad spent an average of $1,397 per individual during the month, whereas outbound Korean travelers spent an average of $1,091 each. The difference between tourism income and expenses resulted in a fourth consecutive monthly surplus, a notable reversal from the deficits seen earlier in 2026.
International arrivals surge significantly in June
In June, South Korea welcomed 1,993,128 international visitors, which is an increase of 23.1% compared to the same month last year, according to data from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. China remained the leading source market with 649,582 visitors, representing a 36.2% rise from June 2025. Japan followed with 348,216 arrivals, up 21.3%. Taiwan accounted for 223,127 visitors, while the Americas contributed 219,948 and Europe 119,445 arrivals.
During the first half of 2026, total international arrivals reached 10,709,919, reflecting a 21% growth compared to the previous year. In the same period, foreign tourists’ credit card spending totaled 10.0389 trillion won, an increase of 50.8%. June alone saw 2.0544 trillion won spent via credit cards, a 66.4% rise year over year. Additionally, the Korea Tourism Organization recorded 395,246 international arrivals through regional airports in June, which is a 42.5% increase.
Tourism expenditure strengthens amid increasing visitor numbers
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism also noted growth from markets outside South Korea’s main Asian source countries. Arrivals from the Americas totaled 1,077,287 during the first half of 2026, marking a 12.7% rise from the previous year. European visitors numbered 738,943, which is a 20.2% increase, and other long-haul markets also experienced gains. Specifically, the United States contributed 811,974 visitors, up 11.1%, while Canada added 157,003 visitors, reflecting a 17.1% growth.
The positive June surplus marks a significant turnaround following three consecutive years in which South Korea’s annual tourism deficits exceeded $10 billion, totaling $10.38 billion in 2023, $10.21 billion in 2024, and $10.76 billion in 2025. By June 2026, the tourism balance had been in the black for four straight months, with June’s receipts surpassing expenditures by $596.6 million, making it the largest monthly tourism surplus since the pandemic and the second-highest on record.