The 2024 Seoul Tourism Global Campaign video, titled “Feel Soul Good,” has taken the world by storm, amassing an impressive 570 million cumulative views. This surge in popularity can be attributed to the appearance of the globally renowned artist, #JIN. His influence has undeniably played a pivotal role in drawing attention to Seoul’s vibrant culture and attractions.

Record-Breaking Tourist Numbers

In a remarkable turn of events, the CEO of the Seoul Tourism Foundation announced that September 2024 saw a record number of international tourists visiting Korea. For the first time, the number of visitors surpassed the figures from September 2019, which was the highest before the COVID-19 pandemic. This milestone highlights the effectiveness of the campaign and the growing global interest in South Korea as a top travel destination.

Exploring Beyond Seoul

While Seoul remains a major attraction, there has been a significant increase in the number of foreign visitors exploring other regions of South Korea. According to recent data, the percentage of foreign visitors to Jeju Island saw a notable rise from 3.6% in the first half of 2023 to 8.2% in the first half of 2024. This trend underscores the diverse appeal of South Korea’s landscapes and cultural experiences.

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Global Tourism Trends

The rise in international tourists visiting South Korea is part of a broader trend observed in other countries as well. For instance, Türkiye experienced a 7.1% increase in international tourist numbers during the first eight months of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. This growth reflects a global resurgence in travel and tourism as countries recover from the pandemic.

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Cultural Attractions Drawing Crowds

South Korea’s rich cultural heritage continues to captivate tourists. The National Museum of Korea, for example, drew a record number of foreign visitors from January to June 2023. The number of visitors increased from 61,000 in 2019 to 94,951 in the first half of 2023.

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Future Prospects for South Korean Tourism

With the success of the “Feel Soul Good” campaign and the increasing number of international tourists, South Korea’s tourism sector is poised for continued growth. The country’s ability to attract visitors positions it as a leading destination in the global tourism landscape.

For more insights on global tourism trends, you can explore articles on Jordan’s tourism and India’s tourism sector.


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