How South Korea Plans to Attract 30 Million Tourists by 2026 with Bold Tourism Overhaul

South Korea is ramping up its efforts to become a global tourism powerhouse by setting an ambitious target of attracting 30 million foreign visitors by 2026. This goal is a key part of the Korea Tourism Organization’s (KTO) sweeping new reform agenda, designed to reshape the country’s tourism sector into a major economic driver.

At a press briefing in Seoul, Park Sung-hyeuck, the president of the Korea Tourism Organization, revealed the details of the nation’s new tourism strategy. He emphasized that 2026 would mark a new phase in South Korea’s tourism efforts, with a focus on increasing inbound tourism, revitalizing local economies, and leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to drive the sector’s long-term growth.

A New Vision for Tourism in South Korea

Park’s announcement comes at a pivotal moment as South Korea continues to recover from the pandemic and seeks to establish tourism as one of its core economic pillars. The country’s government has set its sights on attracting 30 million foreign visitors by 2030, but Park revealed that this timeline has been advanced by two years, making 2026 the critical year for reaching this ambitious goal. To achieve this, the KTO aims for an annual growth rate of more than 16 percent in inbound tourism.

Park pointed out that tourism offers significant opportunities not only to boost employment but also to revitalize regional areas and create lasting value for the economy. As part of the plan, South Korea is positioning tourism as a sustainable driver of jobs and regional development, especially in areas facing population decline.

Key Focus Areas for Growth

Park outlined three key themes for South Korea’s tourism strategy moving forward: global reach, local engagement, and AI transformation.

• Global Reach: On the global front, the KTO plans to build on the growing popularity of K-culture, which has captured the world’s attention through K-pop, films, and Korean lifestyle trends. The KTO will launch a series of conversion-driven branding campaigns, connecting global interest in K-culture to actual travel demand. The objective is to turn the fascination with K-pop, Korean drama, and cuisine into real-life visits, showcasing the rich cultural experiences that South Korea has to offer.
• Local Engagement: Domestically, the plan also emphasizes encouraging South Koreans to explore their own country rather than traveling abroad. In addition to this, the government plans to introduce national vacation support packages that will provide incentives for South Koreans to travel within their own borders. A significant aspect of this initiative will be the expansion of the Digital Tourism Resident Card program, which will offer rewards and discounts to citizens who travel to regions experiencing population decline. This program is designed to use tourism to address demographic challenges while boosting local economies.
• AI Transformation: The third pillar of the strategy focuses on AI-driven transformation. The KTO aims to revolutionize the tourism industry by incorporating AI platforms and data-driven decision-making to enhance the visitor experience and improve industry efficiency. This AI-powered approach will allow for more personalized travel experiences, optimizing everything from booking processes to tour recommendations. Park emphasized that the use of AI and big data would be key in creating long-term competitiveness for the tourism sector, ensuring that growth isn’t just about increasing visitor numbers, but also about sustainable value creation.

Revitalizing Regional Tourism

A major component of the KTO’s strategy is addressing regional depopulation, which has become a growing concern in South Korea. With many rural and regional areas facing declining populations, the KTO’s new initiatives aim to use tourism as a tool for revitalizing these areas. By focusing on local engagement, the KTO plans to encourage South Koreans to travel to less-visited regions, thereby boosting the local economy and supporting the preservation of cultural and historical heritage.

This strategy will also benefit foreign tourists, as the KTO plans to expand the number of tourism experiences available in regions outside major cities like Seoul. These initiatives will diversify the types of tourism experiences available, making South Korea’s tourism sector more inclusive and accessible.

Transforming the Tourism Industry Through AI

The introduction of AI into South Korea’s tourism strategy is particularly exciting, as it represents a modernization of the industry that will have far-reaching impacts on both tourists and businesses. AI-driven platforms will be able to predict visitor preferences, provide real-time travel recommendations, and automate key processes like visa applications and customized itineraries. By making the tourism process more seamless and efficient, South Korea hopes to attract a new generation of tech-savvy travelers who value convenience and personalization.

This move towards AI and big data will also help the country optimize its tourism offerings, providing more tailored services that align with the needs and expectations of visitors. The goal is to not only increase visitor numbers but also improve the overall quality of tourism in South Korea, ensuring that visitors have memorable experiences while contributing to the local economy.

Challenges and the Road Ahead

While South Korea’s tourism strategy is ambitious, it faces several challenges. The country’s tourism industry will need to maintain a balance between growth and sustainability, ensuring that the influx of visitors does not overwhelm the environment or local communities. To address these challenges, the KTO is focusing heavily on sustainability, with a commitment to protecting natural resources and integrating environmental protection into tourism planning.

Additionally, achieving the 30 million visitor goal will require collaboration between the public and private sectors, as well as between local communities, tourism operators, and the government. By working together, South Korea can meet its target and position itself as a leading global tourism destination.

Conclusion: A New Era for South Korean Tourism

South Korea’s ambitious goal to attract 30 million foreign visitors by 2026 is a bold move that signals the country’s commitment to making tourism a core driver of economic growth. By focusing on global marketing, local engagement, and AI-driven transformation, the Korea Tourism Organization is laying the foundation for a more innovative, sustainable, and inclusive tourism industry.

As South Korea works towards this ambitious target, the country’s tourism sector is poised to become an essential pillar of its economy, offering new opportunities for job creation, regional revitalization, and global cultural exchange.

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Samsung is rolling out a new software update to the Galaxy Tab S11 and Tab S11 Ultra, which carries the February January 2026 security patches.

Premium Galaxy Tab models have already received the latest patch last month. Despite being the latest, the Galaxy Tab S11 lineup’s turn came at last, and yet, the software is bringing the January 2026 security update.

Galaxy Tab S11 and Tab S11 Ultra users can identify the fresh update through the PDA build version ending with AZA7. The update weighs around 635 megabytes and provides system security and stability improvements.

The two tablets are powered by the flagship Dimensity chip. Samsung provides up to 55 patches to Exynos devices, while the Qualcomm and MediaTek-based products receive the unified update without Exynos patches.

The rollout has just started in South Korea. Global users should be able to grab the update in the next couple of days. Your tablet’s next security patch could arrive after three months, probably with the One UI 8.5 by May 2026.

Samsung has also started optimizing One UI 8.5 design and features for the Galaxy Tab S11 series. The work is underway internally, and a public Beta Program is less likely to expand beyond the Galaxy S25 series.

To download the January patch, open Settings > Software update > Download and install. Wait for a while so the device fetches a new OTA from the server. Once done, hit Install/Restart now to initiate the installation process.

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Jeju’s Foreign Visitor Growth Accelerates In 2025 With China Remaining The Primary Source Market By A Wide Margin

Jeju’s foreign visitor growth accelerated in 2025 mainly because China remained the island’s dominant source market by a wide margin, supported by the return of direct flights, relaxed travel barriers, and strong demand for short-haul holidays, while arrivals from Japan, Southeast Asia, and Western markets increased but were not enough to challenge China’s overwhelming lead.

Nearly seven out of every ten international visitors to Jeju last year came from China, a clear sign that the island’s tourism recovery remains closely tied to one dominant overseas market even as broader diversification efforts continue.

According to official tourism statistics, 13,861,748 people traveled to Jeju in 2025. Of this total, 2,242,187 were foreign tourists, accounting for 16.2 percent of overall visitor numbers. This represented a 17.7 percent increase compared with 2024, signaling a steady rebound in international travel. However, the recovery is still incomplete. Foreign arrivals remain more than 1.3 million below Jeju’s all-time high recorded in 2016, when international visitor numbers peaked at over 3.6 million. The gap highlights both the progress made since the pandemic years and the challenges that remain in restoring Jeju’s global tourism footprint.

A closer breakdown by nationality shows how uneven the recovery has been across markets. Chinese tourists formed the backbone of Jeju’s international travel demand, contributing 70.2 percent of all foreign arrivals. Nearly 1.59 million Chinese visitors arrived on the island during the year, far outpacing every other market. Taiwan ranked second, sending more than 233,000 visitors, followed by Japan with just over 82,000 travelers. The United States, Hong Kong, and Singapore also featured among the top source markets, while Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand remained smaller contributors in absolute numbers.

Growth trends varied sharply between markets. Thailand recorded the fastest expansion, with visitor numbers surging by nearly three hundred and fifty percent compared with the previous year. This dramatic rise was largely driven by the regular operation of charter flights connecting Bangkok with Jeju, restoring direct access that had been limited in earlier years. Although Thailand’s total visitor count remains relatively modest, the sharp growth points to strong potential when air connectivity improves.

Taiwanese arrivals also posted robust growth, increasing by more than forty-six percent year on year. The expansion of direct air services linking Jeju with major Taiwanese cities played a key role in this increase. Improved flight options reduced travel time and made Jeju more competitive against other regional destinations, helping to revive interest from Taiwanese travelers.

Chinese tourism, which had been a source of uncertainty, showed steady and meaningful growth. Arrivals from China rose by nearly fifteen percent compared with the previous year, easing concerns of a prolonged downturn. This rebound followed a policy change that temporarily expanded visa-free entry for Chinese group travelers, allowing eligible groups to travel more easily beyond Jeju alone. At the same time, the number of routes connecting Jeju with cities on the Chinese mainland increased, strengthening access without overwhelming the destination. Because the visa policy focused on group travel rather than individual arrivals, Jeju avoided sudden shifts in visitor patterns while still benefiting from renewed demand.

Not all markets shared in the recovery. Vietnamese arrivals declined by more than twenty percent, making Vietnam the only major source market to record a year-on-year drop. The decline was linked to the suspension of charter flights after an operational disruption, highlighting how quickly visitor numbers can fall when air links are interrupted. The drop also underlined the island’s vulnerability to sudden changes in flight availability, particularly in emerging markets where scheduled services remain limited.

Beyond raw numbers, the latest data reflects a broader shift in Jeju’s tourism strategy. Authorities have acknowledged that relying too heavily on one market leaves the island exposed to policy changes, economic fluctuations, and geopolitical risks. As a result, efforts are underway to rebalance the visitor mix while also improving the overall quality of tourism growth.

For Chinese-speaking markets, the focus is moving away from large-scale, low-spend group tours toward higher-value travel experiences. Future campaigns will emphasize Jeju’s natural landscapes, wellness-oriented travel, and cultural attractions, aiming to increase visitor satisfaction and spending rather than simply boosting arrival numbers. This shift reflects a wider regional trend toward quality-driven tourism as destinations seek to manage pressure on infrastructure and communities.

In Japan, marketing efforts will concentrate on cities with direct air connections, targeting travelers who can reach Jeju conveniently without multiple transfers. By strengthening ties with these hub cities, Jeju hopes to stabilize demand from Japan and encourage repeat visits. Similar strategies are being applied to other nearby markets where short travel times and frequent flights can make Jeju a competitive option.

Regional aviation hubs such as Singapore, Hong Kong, and Taipei are also becoming increasingly important in Jeju’s plans. By leveraging their extensive flight networks, the island aims to attract transit passengers who may extend their journeys to include Jeju. This approach is seen as a stepping stone toward opening long-haul markets, particularly in Europe, where direct flights are limited but interest in nature-based island destinations continues to grow.

While international tourism showed clear momentum, domestic travel told a more cautious story. The number of local visitors to Jeju in 2025 fell slightly to 11,619,551, marking a two percent decline compared with the previous year. Rising travel costs, shifting consumer preferences, and increased competition from overseas destinations are among the factors believed to have influenced domestic travel patterns.

Jeju’s foreign visitor growth gained momentum in 2025 as China continued to dominate arrivals by a wide margin, fuelled by the return of direct flights, eased travel restrictions, and strong demand for short-haul leisure travel, while other markets lagged behind.

Taken together, the figures paint a picture of measured recovery rather than full resurgence. International arrivals are climbing, led overwhelmingly by China, while diversification efforts are gaining traction in selected markets. At the same time, softer domestic demand reinforces the need for Jeju to strengthen its appeal abroad. As the island moves into the next phase of tourism growth, the challenge will be to balance volume with value, expand into new markets, and reduce reliance on any single source of visitors while protecting the qualities that make Jeju distinctive.

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Vietnam Joins South Korea, China, Croatia, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Hungary In Powering A New Tourism Wave As Visitor Numbers Reach Historic Highs

Vietnam is rapidly positioning itself alongside South Korea, China, and a growing list of European markets as a driving force behind the latest global tourism surge, after recording historic highs in international visitor arrivals. The sharp rise has been powered by relaxed visa policies, expanded air connectivity, and strong travel demand from both Asia and Europe, allowing the country to move beyond recovery and into sustained growth. With visitor numbers now exceeding pre-pandemic levels, Vietnam’s tourism sector is benefiting from easier entry rules, more international flights, and a diversified appeal that continues to attract travelers at scale, reinforcing its role in shaping the next phase of global travel momentum.

Anyone passing through Ho Chi Minh City’s Tan Son Nhat Airport in recent years can sense the transformation immediately. Terminals are busier, arrival halls are crowded, and flight boards are packed with international routes. What once felt like a gradual recovery has turned into a full-scale tourism surge, reflecting Vietnam’s rapid rise as one of Asia’s most dynamic travel destinations.

In 2025, Vietnam welcomed a record 21.2 million international visitors, marking a 20 percent increase over 2024. This milestone pushed the country beyond its pre-pandemic tourism performance, underscoring one of the most decisive recoveries in the region. While many destinations are still working to regain lost ground, Vietnam has moved firmly into a new growth phase, supported by policy reform, infrastructure development, and sustained international demand.

China emerged as the largest source market, accounting for roughly a quarter of all international arrivals, followed by South Korea. The return of these key markets has provided a strong foundation for growth, particularly as regional travel across Asia continues to normalize. Increased capacity, restored routes, and competitive pricing have all contributed to the rebound, but numbers alone do not explain the scale of Vietnam’s momentum.

A major driver behind the surge has been the country’s shift toward more traveler-friendly entry policies. In 2023, Vietnam introduced 90-day multiple-entry electronic visas for travelers of all nationalities, a move widely seen as a turning point. The longer stay period and flexible re-entry options made the country far more appealing for long-haul visitors, digital nomads, business travelers, and repeat tourists.

This policy direction accelerated further in August last year, when 45-day visa-free entry was extended to several European countries, including Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Switzerland. These changes significantly lowered barriers for European travelers, encouraging longer stays and multi-destination itineraries within the country.

Alongside visa reform, air connectivity has expanded at a rapid pace. Vietnam’s major airports have seen a steady increase in international services, with more direct routes linking the country to cities across Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and Australia. Higher flight frequencies and improved scheduling have made Vietnam easier to reach and more competitive within the regional travel market.

Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Da Nang remain the primary gateways, handling the majority of inbound traffic. Each city plays a distinct role in the tourism ecosystem. Ho Chi Minh City functions as a commercial and cultural hub, Hanoi anchors the north with heritage and political significance, while Da Nang has emerged as a fast-growing destination in central Vietnam, benefiting from its coastal location and expanding infrastructure.

Da Nang’s growth has been particularly notable. New international routes launched over the past year have broadened its reach and strengthened its appeal to both leisure and business travelers. Improved connectivity has supported the city’s rise as a destination for meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions, adding a high-value segment to its tourism mix and extending visitor stays beyond peak holiday periods.

Tourism branding has also played an important role in shaping demand. Rather than focusing on a single attraction or experience, Vietnam has emphasized variety. Travelers are drawn by a mix of cultural heritage, urban energy, coastal escapes, and outdoor activities. This diversity has helped the country appeal to different markets simultaneously, from short-haul regional visitors to long-haul travelers seeking longer, more immersive trips.

Infrastructure investment has quietly underpinned much of this success. Airports have expanded capacity, road and rail links have improved, and hospitality supply has grown across multiple segments. These developments have made it easier to disperse visitors beyond traditional hotspots, supporting regional tourism growth while easing pressure on major cities.

The surge in inbound travel has been matched by a strong rise in outbound movement. In 2025, more than 6.7 million Vietnamese residents traveled abroad, marking a clear shift in travel behavior. Northeast Asia emerged as the most popular region, reflecting proximity, connectivity, and growing cultural and economic ties.

This outbound growth highlights a broader economic trend. A rapidly expanding middle class, rising incomes, and increased exposure to international travel have reshaped consumer behavior. Travel is no longer seen as a luxury reserved for a small segment of society, but as a regular part of modern life for a growing share of the population.

At the same time, outbound travel growth has strengthened Vietnam’s aviation sector, supporting route viability and encouraging airlines to expand networks in both directions. This two-way flow has reinforced the country’s role as a regional travel hub, benefiting inbound tourism, trade, and business travel alike.

Despite the strong performance, challenges remain. Managing visitor flows, maintaining service quality, and ensuring sustainable development are becoming increasingly important as volumes rise. Popular destinations face pressure on infrastructure and resources, while regional areas seek greater visibility and access. How Vietnam balances growth with long-term planning will shape the next phase of its tourism story.

What is clear, however, is that Vietnam’s tourism resurgence is not a short-term rebound. It reflects structural changes in policy, connectivity, and market positioning that have reset the country’s trajectory. With open visa rules, expanding air links, and diversified demand, Vietnam has moved beyond recovery and into a period of sustained expansion.

Vietnam is joining South Korea, China, and several European markets in driving a new global tourism wave, as record international arrivals are fueled by relaxed visa policies, longer stays, and rapidly expanding air connectivity. These factors have pushed visitor numbers beyond pre-pandemic levels, positioning the country as a key engine of sustained travel growth across Asia and Europe.

As global travel continues to stabilize, Vietnam’s experience offers a clear example of how strategic decisions, taken at the right moment, can turn crisis into opportunity. The crowds moving through its airports today are not just signs of recovery, but signals of a tourism sector that has firmly reclaimed its place on the global travel map.

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India and Asia-Pacific: ATR’s Twin Turboprops Open Up New Routes, Boosting Regional Tourism and Business

As regional airline manufacturer ATR sets its sights on the Asia-Pacific region for significant growth over the next two decades, the company aims to deliver over 1,000 aircraft in this high-demand market. ATR’s focus on the region highlights the increasing importance of regional connectivity and the growing demand for fuel-efficient aircraft to serve shorter regional routes.

With an expected 2,100 aircraft deliveries worldwide in the coming years, ATR forecasts that nearly half of them will be headed to the Asia-Pacific region. This push aligns with ATR’s vision to make regional air travel more accessible and viable, especially in secondary cities and remote areas. ATR’s strategic approach is centered on offering low operational costs and increased fuel efficiency, allowing airlines to tap into previously underserved routes.

The Advantage of ATR’s Twin Turboprops in Regional Aviation

At the heart of ATR’s growth plan is its 50- to 70-seat twin turboprop aircraft, the ATR72-600, which is specifically designed for short regional routes. These aircraft can operate on runways as short as 4,264 feet, making them ideal for smaller, secondary airports. This flexibility allows airlines to offer new hub-feed and point-to-point services that were previously not economically viable.

For instance, Sum Air, a South Korean carrier, recently took delivery of its first ATR72-600, and is planning to launch routes from Sacheon to Ulsan and several island destinations, including Tsushima, Ulleung, Heuksan, and Baengnyeong. This capability opens up numerous opportunities for regional tourism, business, and logistics in areas that would otherwise be difficult to access via larger aircraft.

Boosting Regional Connectivity in India

India is also a significant focus for ATR. The government’s Regional Connectivity Scheme has been a major catalyst for expanding regional air services, providing easier access to more airports across the country. ATR’s aircraft are well-positioned to capitalize on this growth, especially for routes between 100 to 400 nautical miles, where air travel currently represents just 3% of the traffic. ATR believes its fuel-efficient aircraft can increase this figure to 7-8%, making air travel a more attractive option compared to trains and buses.

By offering a 45% lower fuel burn compared to regional jets, ATR’s aircraft provide a significant advantage in terms of operational cost savings. This makes it possible for airlines to offer more affordable air travel while ensuring profitability, further encouraging the growth of regional tourism and business connections.

ATR’s HighLine Business-Class Cabin for Resort Destinations

In addition to its regional aircraft offerings, ATR is also introducing innovations aimed at enhancing the passenger experience. At the Singapore Airshow, ATR unveiled its new HighLine business-class cabin, which will be available on Malaysia’s Berjaya Air’s ATR72 aircraft. This configuration is designed for resort destinations and features 26 business-class seats, enhancing the comfort and luxury of regional flights.

Air Tahiti has also opted for the HighLine cabin on its ATR72s, highlighting the growing demand for premium services on regional routes. This shift towards a more comfortable flying experience is expected to attract more business travelers and tourists looking for convenience and comfort when traveling to resort destinations.

Looking Toward Hybrid-Electric Aircraft for the Future

ATR is not just focusing on the present but is also looking ahead to the future of aviation. The company is collaborating with Pratt & Whitney and other partners in the RTX group to explore the possibility of hybrid-electric aircraft. The goal is to develop a hybrid-electric version of the ATR72 by 2035, with the first technology demonstrator expected to take flight by 2030.

This innovation will help reduce the carbon footprint of regional aviation and provide a more sustainable solution for airlines operating in environmentally sensitive areas such as islands and mountains, where infrastructure can be limited. The hybrid-electric aircraft would be ideal for these regions, making it easier for airlines to operate in locations with stricter environmental regulations.

Preparing for Increased Demand

To meet the growing demand for its aircraft, ATR plans to increase production rates through 2028. This includes a forecast for 1,045 aircraft sales in the Asia-Pacific region between 2025 and 2044, with 210 of these aircraft destined for India. ATR anticipates that the rise in demand will continue to drive growth in regional air travel, fostering new business opportunities and encouraging more tourism to previously hard-to-reach destinations.

ATR also expects demand for cargo aircraft to increase, with an additional 500 freighters predicted to join airline fleets by 2044. This expansion is set to facilitate the movement of goods and services across regions, further strengthening the economy and supporting trade.

Quick Tips for Travelers Using ATR-Operated Routes

1. Check Flight Routes and Schedules: With new routes opening in secondary cities, always check with local airlines operating ATR aircraft for up-to-date schedules.
2. Book Early for Resort Destinations: For luxury or resort-based trips, consider booking flights on ATR’s HighLine-configured aircraft for added comfort.
3. Be Prepared for Shorter Flights: ATR’s aircraft are ideal for shorter, point-to-point regional routes, making travel to remote locations faster and more accessible.
4. Embrace New Regional Destinations: Many regional cities that were once difficult to reach are now accessible through ATR’s twin turboprops.
5. Consider Eco-Friendly Options: For sustainable travel, keep an eye on upcoming hybrid-electric aircraft options, which ATR is planning to introduce in the next decade.

Conclusion: ATR’s Regional Growth and Its Impact on Business and Tourism

ATR’s focus on regional aviation growth in the Asia-Pacific region represents a transformative shift in the airline industry. With its fuel-efficient, short-runway-capable aircraft, ATR is opening up new routes and destinations, enabling more accessible travel for both business professionals and tourists alike. The company’s commitment to sustainability, passenger comfort, and cost-effective operations is helping drive the future of regional air travel, creating new opportunities for economic development and tourism in the region.

Disclaimer: The Attached Image in This Article is AI Generated and Does Not Represent Real Property

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Prime minister Kim Min-seok clarified that the Korean government has not discriminated against US firms, including Coupang