Consumption by foreign visitors to Seoul is surging with the growth in their number. Shown on Dec. 9, 2025, is a store in the packed and trendy Seongsu-dong neighborhood of the capital. (Korea.net DB)

By Oh Jung Eun

Growth in the number of foreign visitors to Seoul has led to a surge in their spending.

The Seoul Metropolitan Government on Oct. 6 said 1.72 million such tourists came to the capital in August, a monthly record, with their card spending also jumping 58.1% year on year.

Card spending by the visitors also surpassed KRW 1 trillion for the fifth consecutive month. Their cumulative expenditures this year from January through August reached KRW 7.78 trillion, nearing the figure for all of last year.

Their consumption rose evenly across a range of sectors in the eight-month period. Retail accounted for the largest share (46.6%), followed by healthcare and wellness (23.8%), food and beverages (13.2%), and lodging (10.4%).

More areas of the capital saw heightened visits by such tourists. Their card spending in commercial neighborhood districts surged 80.9% while that in traditional markets rose 50.1%.

To get foreign visitors to explore more of the capital, a "Seoul-style nighttime economy" program under the city's vision for a "Vibrant 24-Hour Economy" eyes more evening activities and longer stays by travelers to further bolster tourist spending in commercial districts.

cloveroh@korea.kr