South Korea is seeing a big rise in foreign tourists this year. Understanding why this happens shows how policy can quickly affect a country’s economy.

Foreign arrivals rose 21.5% year‑on‑year in the first nine months. Visitor numbers grew 29.1% from Greater China, 16.9% from Japan, 15.3% from Southeast Asia, and 15.1% from Europe and the Americas, according to the ministry.

The ministry said the increase comes from more flights, easier visa rules, better transport links and stronger overseas marketing. At the same time, foreign visitors’ spending rose 47.7% in January‑September.

The government expects about 1.94 million visitors in November, keeping the 23 million year‑end target within reach. This shows how quickly tourism can grow when the right measures are taken.