SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA / RankWire.AI / – South Korea posted a $596.6 million tourism surplus in June 2026, marking its strongest monthly result since the COVID-19 pandemic. This figure represents a $1.44 billion increase compared to June 2025, when the balance showed an $846.8 million deficit. Data from the Korea Tourism Organization indicate that June’s surplus is the second-highest on record, with only October 2008 surpassing it at $661.5 million.
The tourism balance had been in deficit for 72 consecutive months from March 2020 through February 2026. January saw a $1.4034 billion shortfall, followed by a $1.0993 billion deficit in February. The balance turned positive in March with a $263.8 million surplus, and this recovery persisted with a $159.9 million surplus in April and $220.5 million in May, culminating in June’s positive result.
In June, tourism revenue reached $2.784 billion, while total tourism expenditures stood at $2.1874 billion. Foreign visitors spent an average of $1,397 per person, whereas outbound South Korean travelers spent an average of $1,091. The difference between receipts and expenditures resulted in a fourth consecutive monthly surplus, a notable shift from the deficits early in 2026.
International arrivals surge sharply in June
South Korea welcomed 1,993,128 international tourists in June, reflecting a 23.1% increase from the same month last year, according to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. China remained the top source market with 649,582 visitors, up 36.2% from June 2025. Japan followed with 348,216 arrivals, a 21.3% rise. Taiwan accounted for 223,127 visitors, while arrivals from the Americas reached 219,948 and Europe contributed 119,445.
During the first half of 2026, international arrivals totaled 10,709,919, which is 21% higher than the previous year. Foreign tourist credit card spending in this period hit 10.0389 trillion won, a 50.8% increase. June alone saw 2.0544 trillion won spent via cards, up 66.4% year over year. The Korea Tourism Organization also reported 395,246 international arrivals through regional airports in June, a 42.5% increase.
Growth in tourism expenditures parallels visitor influx
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism noted increased spending from markets beyond Korea’s primary Asian sources. Arrivals from the Americas reached 1,077,287 in the first half, a 12.7% rise from last year. European visitors increased by 20.2%, totaling 738,943, with other long-haul markets also showing gains. The United States contributed 811,974 visitors through June, an 11.1% increase, while Canada added 157,003 arrivals, a 17.1% rise.
The June surplus marks a significant turnaround after three years of annual tourism deficits exceeding $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 has been positive for four consecutive months. June’s receipts surpassed expenditures by $596.6 million, the largest monthly surplus since the pandemic and the second-highest ever recorded.