Korea Tourism Balance Turns Surplus After 11 Years as March Arrivals Hit 2.04 Million

South Korea’s tourism balance shifted to a monthly surplus in March. The change came as 2.04 million foreign visitors entered the country, an unusually large inflow, while growth in overseas departures by Korean residents slowed. Tourism revenue in March was tallied at $2.6488 billion. It was the first monthly tourism balance surplus in 11 years and four months. The original report cited a foreign visitor who watched a BTS performance, shopped for eight days, and spent 3.5 million won as an example of inbound consumption. With stronger foreign arrivals and slower outbound travel combining to lift the balance, future inbound tourism demand and spending trends will be key indicators for further improvement. Source: mk.co.kr