BTS Comeback Spurs Surge in Foreign Visitors to South Korea

In anticipation of BTS's comeback performance, the number of foreign visitors to South Korea has seen a significant increase.

According to the Ministry of Justice's Immigration and Foreign Policy Headquarters, from March 1 to March 18 this year, 1,099,700 foreigners (excluding crew members) entered the country. This marks an increase of 271,200 (32.7%) compared to the same period last year, which recorded 828,500 entries.

The rise in foreign tourists is attributed to BTS's comeback concert at Gwanghwamun on March 21. Considering the fans arriving on March 19 and 20, the number of entrants could potentially exceed last year's figures by over 50%.

Notably, there has been a significant increase in foreign visitors in their teens and twenties. Teenage foreign entrants rose from 65,600 last year to 91,800 this year, a 40.0% increase. Meanwhile, those in their twenties increased from 257,000 to 347,500, marking a 35.2% rise.

On the same day, BTS will release their fifth studio album, 'ARIRANG', at 1 PM. This marks their first new album in three years and nine months since June 2022. The album is executive produced by Bang Si-hyuk and includes 14 tracks, featuring the title song 'SWIM'. BTS has infused their genuine experiences and reflections from their journey into every track.

By Ji-won Kim, Ten Asia Reporter one@tenasia.co.kr

Related topics: BTS, Bangtan Sonyeondan, foreign tourists, comeback performance, ARIRANG album