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Busan sets tourism records in consecutive months source: Busan Tourism ArchiveBusan welcomed 2,927,674 international visitors from January to July, putting the city on track to reach its goal of 4 million international visitors for the year. The figure represents a 46.1% year-over-year increase and already accounts for 73.2% of the city’s yearly target. Busan saw its highest monthly visitor total of the year in July, when 507,045 international tourists visited the city. This surpassed the previous monthly record of 484,057 visitors set in June, setting a new high for a consecutive month. With monthly visitor counts generally ranging between 400,000 and 500,000, Busan was expected to surpass the 3 million mark in early August, needing just over 72,000 more visitors to reach the milestone. Last year, the city passed the 3-million threshold for the first time in October, while this year, it was expected to reach the figure two months earlier. The city will release the official August figures at the end of September.In July alone, Taiwan ranked first with 128,000 visitors, followed by China with 125,000, Japan with 49,000 and the United States with 40,000. The latest figures also point to particularly strong growth from the U.S. market. From January to July, visitors from the United States rose 78.4% year over year, from 145,535 to 259,675. Given the current lack of direct flights between the two destinations, the sharp increase suggests that Busan is extending its reach beyond nearby Asian markets and gaining traction as a destination for long-haul travelers. The influx of international visitors is also driving higher spending in the city. International visitors’ card spending in Busan reached 742.3 billion won from January to July, up 50.8% from the same period last year. This put Busan second nationwide, behind Seoul. Medical tourism spending was particularly notable, soaring 118.4% year over year and giving Busan a 37% share of medical tourism spending outside Seoul. Building on this momentum, Busan plans to further strengthen its tourism sector through a series of major events and visitor-focused initiatives. Starting in September, “2026 Busan Global City Week” will bring together the city and its global partner cities to strengthen cooperation and expand international networks. October will also be packed with major international events, including Festival Shiwol, the Busan International Rock Festival, Busan UN Week, and the Global City Tourism Summit. The city is also rolling out measures to make travel more convenient for international visitors. Visit Busan Pass kiosks will be installed at Gimhae International Airport and Busan Station, allowing travelers to purchase the pass conveniently at major transportation hubs. Busan will also upgrade its tourism information systems at popular attractions across the city, making it easier for visitors to find the information they need and enjoy a more seamless travel experience. <Today's Vocabulary - 오늘의 단어>surpass: 능가하다 consecutive: 연속되는 traction: 견인 strengthen: 강화하다 conveniently: 편리하게Editor: Song SoomiCopy Editors: Ryu Hyoseung, Anton J. Mapoy
The route to the Arctic starts in Busan PanStar Acro　Busan is heading north.　The first Korean container ship to travel the Arctic shipping route departed from Busan New Port on Aug. 22. The pilot voyage is being undertaken by the 2,800-TEU (twenty-foot equivalent unit) PanStar Acro, operated by Busan-based PanStar Line. 　The ice-class PanStar Acro will sail the Northern Sea Route through the Bering Strait and across the Arctic Ocean to call at Felixstowe, U.K.; Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Hamburg, Germany; and Gdansk, Poland. 　The trip is more than a trial run; PanStar is testing the commercial viability of the route by transporting 837 TEU of cargo, including auto parts, synthetic resins, used cars, food and K-beauty products.　A successful operation could bring significant upside to Busan's economy.　The journey is expected to take about 45 days. Compared with the traditional passage through the Suez Canal, the Arctic route connecting Asia and Europe shortens the trip by about 7,000 kilometers and 10 days, reducing transit time by about 30%. The shorter travel time may allow shippers to trim logistics costs and diversify their supply chains.　A business agreement between Busan City and PanStar Line will have the city provide administrative support and help secure cargo. Using data gathered on the route, cargo and vessel operations, the city can shape related industries and support policies, laying the groundwork for Busan to become a leading power in Arctic shipping.
Busan on track to welcome 4 million foreign visitors Foreign tourists take a commemorative photo at Haeundae Beach.Foreigners try on hanbok at Gamcheon Culture Village.　Busan welcomed 2,420,629 international visitors in the first half of 2026, already achieving 60.5% of its annual target of 4 million. Compared with the same period last year, the number of international visitors rose 43.9% from 1,682,415. In June alone, Busan welcomed 484,057 international visitors, the highest monthly figure recorded this year.　Taiwan remained Busan's largest source market with 477,606 visitors, followed by China (468,876), Japan (291,141), the United States (219,147) and the Philippines (93,061). 　Visitor numbers from Taiwan increased 54% year on year, accounting for the largest share of cumulative arrivals in the first half of the year at 19.7%. 　The city also found that hosting major performances attracts international visitors. Using data from mobile carrier KT and credit card company BC, the analysis showed that the area within a 3-kilometer radius of Busan Asiad Main Stadium recorded approximately 730,000 visits by international visitors during the BTS concert week from June 8 to 14, up 341.9% from the previous week. Spending at nearby businesses also increased by 114.8% during the same period. 　Building on this momentum, Busan aims to focus on the quality of tourism by encouraging visitors to stay longer and return. To strengthen its identity as a maritime capital, Busan plans to introduce new marine transportation options, including an amphibious tour bus and water taxis. The city will also expand experiential tourism programs linked to major events such as the Busan Fireworks Festival and Starry Night in Busan: Night Festa. 　Busan will continue to make travel more convenient for international visitors by enhancing the Visit Busan Pass and expanding partnerships with global tourism platforms.

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