S. Korea welcomes 11.5 mln travelers through Aug.
SEOUL, Oct. 4 (Yonhap) -- A total of 11.5 million foreigners visited South Korea in the first eight months of this year, up 21.7 percent from two years ago, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism said Wednesday.
The number of Chinese travelers was tallied at 5.61 million through August, surging 36.1 percent from 2014, while those from Hong Kong and Taiwan increased 23.7 percent to 1.07 million over the period, the ministry said.
The ministry said it expects to see a rising influx of travelers during China's national holiday season that runs from Oct. 1-7, pledging support for a shopping festival and other cultural events during the period.
The government and retail industry on Friday launched an 11-day shopping event nationwide, called "Korea Sale Festa," as part of efforts to boost lackluster consumption and draw travelers.
The ministry said it hopes to draw 16.5 million foreign travelers this year with a variety of customized programs for major tourism markets.
ejkim@yna.co.kr
(END)
-
N.K. leader declares victory in fight against COVID-19: state media
-
DP slams Yoon's absence during record rainfall
-
(News Focus) Samsung's Lee expected to solidify leadership, step up biz activities after receiving pardon
-
S. Korea expresses deep regret over Japanese PM's offering to war shrine
-
(LEAD) Yoon pledges to improve ties with Japan, offers economic aid in exchange for N.K. denuclearization
-
(2nd LD) Samsung heir Lee granted special presidential pardon
-
(News Focus) Samsung's Lee expected to solidify leadership, step up biz activities after receiving pardon
-
(LEAD) Yoon pledges to improve ties with Japan, offers economic aid in exchange for N.K. denuclearization
-
DP slams Yoon's absence during record rainfall
-
(LEAD) China says S. Korea has vowed to limit THAAD operation, heralding continued diplomatic row
-
(Yonhap Interview) Chinese ambassador says no Beijing-Seoul 'decoupling,' warns of impact from U.S.-led groups
-
S. Korea, U.S. to stage preparatory military drills before major field exercise
-
(LEAD) Homes of ex-top security officials raided in probe into N. Korea's killing of fisheries official
-
(LEAD) Bill Gates calls for S. Korea to play leading role in global health cooperation
-
(LEAD) Gov't to supply 2.7 mln homes in next 5 years