Quick answer: Busan received 2,927,674 foreign visitors from January to July 2026, up 46.1 percent on 2025, with Taiwan and China its two largest markets. Explera DMC Korea plans Busan groups earlier as a result, securing hotel blocks, coaches and guides in the right languages before the busiest weeks.
How fast is Busan growing?
Busan counted 2,927,674 foreign visitors from January to July 2026, up 46.1 percent year on year. Taiwan sent the most, about 605,000, followed by China with about 594,000 and Japan with about 340,000.
In 2025 Busan passed 3 million foreign visitors for the first time, in October. In 2026 it was on pace to reach that mark about two months earlier.
What does it mean for groups?
- Hotel space goes sooner. Haeundae, Seomyeon and Nampo hotels fill earlier around weekends and holidays.
- Guides by language. Demand for Chinese-speaking guides rises with Taiwanese and Chinese groups.
- Busy sights. Popular stops get crowded, so timing and order of visits matter more.
How we plan Busan now
- Earlier holds. We request hotel blocks and coaches as soon as dates are firm.
- Spread the day. We start early and save the busiest viewpoints for quieter hours.
- Look beyond the coast. Gyeongju and other day trips ease pressure on the busiest Busan days.
Planned with the agent
Explera DMC Korea plans Busan programmes with hotels, coaches and guides confirmed together.
Send your dates, pax and requirements to b2b@explera.kr or WhatsApp +66 93 656 8090. Explera DMC Korea is IATA TIDS-registered (96215733) and an ASTA member (#900408341); our KTO and KATA registrations are in application.
Where this fits in our Korea programmes
The pages below carry the operational detail behind this briefing.
- Services: Group travel & GIT in Korea · Transportation & coaches in Korea · Guide services in Korea
- Destinations: Busan · Gyeongju · Jeju
Frequently asked questions
How many foreign visitors did Busan receive in 2026?
From January to July 2026, 2,927,674, up 46.1 percent on the same period of 2025.
Which markets send the most visitors to Busan?
Taiwan, with about 605,000 from January to July 2026, then China with about 594,000 and Japan with about 340,000.
Should agents book Busan earlier?
Yes. With demand this high, we suggest confirming hotel blocks and coaches as soon as group dates are firm.
Does Explera DMC Korea provide Chinese-speaking guides in Busan?
Yes. We assign guides by language and confirm them with the rest of the programme.
