South Korea’s hospitality sector faces challenges as political turmoil sparks travel cancellations, raising concerns about safety and tourism recovery.
South Korea’s tourism industry, which contributed ₩84.7 trillion ($59.1 billion) or 3.8% of GDP in 2023, faces new challenges as political unrest deters visitors. The recent six-hour martial law, later rescinded, has led to some trip cancellations and a slight drop in hotel bookings.
Accor Group reported a 5% rise in cancellations, and the Korea Tourism Start-up Association noted declining bookings for early 2025. Hotels in Seoul, previously fully booked, now offer discounts to attract guests. Concerns extend to medical tourism, with some foreign patients cancelling appointments.
The "Korean Wave" of cultural exports and reputation for safety are key to South Korea’s tourism strategy, but ongoing protests could hinder growth in sectors like MICE tourism.
Experts believe the impact may be temporary if stability returns, while others remain optimistic about travel demand, particularly from China, South Korea’s largest visitor source.
Read next
14:45
Uzbekistan and South Korea are deepening their collaboration on railway development as both countries advance plans for a high-speed passenger rail line connecting Tashkent and Samarkand.
11:25
Mongolia’s Mineral Resources and Petroleum Authority and the Korea Gas Safety Corporation signed a Memorandum of Understanding on April 29, 2025, to enhance cooperation on flammable gas safety.
11:02
South Korea’s Prime Minister and Acting President Han Duck-soo has resigned and announced his presidential bid, pledging to shorten his term to three years in order to pursue constitutional reform and apply his economic expertise to address the ongoing trade crisis.
19:15
South Korea has won a landmark $18.2 billion contract to build two nuclear reactors in the Czech Republic—its first overseas nuclear power project in 16 years—signaling a renewed push into Europe's growing energy market.
10:41
World News
South Korea’s Supreme Court reinstated election-law charges against liberal frontrunner Lee Jae-myung on Thursday, suddenly jeopardizing his candidacy in June’s snap presidential election.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment