An estimated 6.77 million foreign tourists between January and last month visited the country, a record for the four-month period. Shown is a crowded Bukchon Hanok Village on March 16 in Seoul's Jongno-gu District. (Lee Jeongwoo)

By Kang Gahui

An estimated 2.03 million foreign tourists visited the country last month, the second straight month for the figure to break 2 million.

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism on May 21 said the cumulative number of such travelers from January to April this year grew 21% year on year to 6.77 million, a record high for the period.

China sent the most over the first four months of the year with 570,000. Solid growth in tourism demand came from Northeast Asia as Japan sent 300,000, Taiwan 190,000 and Hong Kong 70,000.

Visitors from the West including the U.S. and Europe also increased to 420,000 over the period. The ministry said the spread of Hallyu (Korean Wave) content has made Korea a global tourism destination that appeals to tourists beyond Asia.

Growth in travel to the provinces was also brisk, with the number of international arrivals at regional airports last month reaching 360,000, up 38% year on year. Measures such as the expansion of international routes at such airports and provision of transit support will seek to further boost tourism in provincial areas.

Foreign visitors are estimated to have spent KRW 1.9 trillion through card payments during their travels in the country, according to the ministry. The figure was the highest since tracking began in January 2018.

The ministry said, "This was the result of the synergy created by K-culture and a policy of pan-government support for tourism amid difficult conditions caused by rising international oil prices and fuel surcharges."

kgh89@korea.kr