BTS Concert Propels Busan to Record Foreign Tourism High

BTS concert drives South Korea’s Busan to record foreign tourist numbers in the first half of the year, marking a significant post-pandemic recovery.

Editorial Desk

August 1, 2026 One Min Read

POLICY WIRE — Busan, South Korea — International tourism in South Korea’s southern port city of Busan reached unprecedented levels during the first half of this year, driven by a significant influx of visitors from across Asia and a major stadium concert by K-pop sensation BTS.

Busan welcomed over 2.42 million foreign visitors between January and June, marking a 43.9 percent increase compared to the same period last year, according to municipal data released on Thursday.

The surge in tourism is largely attributed to the BTS concert held in June, which drew fans from around the globe and significantly boosted local hospitality and entertainment sectors.

“The concert not only highlighted Busan as a cultural hub but also provided a much-needed economic boost post-pandemic,” said a city official.

The strong turnout positions Busan as a leading destination for international tourists, with officials optimistic about continued growth in the coming months.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)

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