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[Yanolja Research Brief] Vol.8 Korea’s Inbound and Outbound Tourism Performance in the First Quarter of 2025

The first quarter of 2025 marked a turning point for Korea’s tourism industry, with both inbound and outbound travel reaching new milestones. Here’s a concise overview of the most important trends and findings.


Inbound Tourism: Record Numbers, New Challenges

  • Highest-Ever Visitor Numbers
  • Revenue Lagging Behind
  • Asia Leads, but Recovery Is Uneven
  • Structural Shifts
  • Changing Visitor Mix
  • Duty-Free Sales Down


Outbound Tourism: Robust Growth and Spending

  • Travel Abroad Nearly Back to Normal
  • Top Destinations
  • Spending Rebounds
  • Widening Tourism Deficit


Looking Forward: Unlocking Regional Potential

  • Regional Airports as a Growth Engine
  • Focus on High-Value Tourism


Discover More

These highlights only scratch the surface of Korea’s evolving tourism landscape. For deeper insights, detailed data, and expert perspectives, visit the official website.
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Location: Seoul, South Korea

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