Record Tourist Arrivals Boost South Korean Retail Sector

Foreign tourist spending is providing a critical boost to the South Korean retail sector, helping to mitigate the impact of a slowdown in domestic consumption. Tourist arrivals reached a record high of over 17 million people during the first nine months of 2026.

This surge in overseas shoppers is most prominent in the K-beauty sector. Retailers such as Olive Young in Seoul have reported high activity as international visitors increase their spending on beauty products.

Supporting this trend, Incheon International Airport recorded the highest international passenger traffic globally between January and June. This data was provided in preliminary reports from the Airports Council International.