Foreigners' card spending in Seoul jumps nearly 58% to W8.84tr

What happened: Foreign visitors' card spending in Seoul rose 57.7 percent year on year in the first nine months of 2026, according to city government data. Key numbers: 8.84 trillion won ($6.57 billion) spent, above the 7.94 trillion won full-year 2025 total. Shopping was 46 percent, medical and wellness 23.8 percent. Gangnam Ward took 29.6 percent. Why it matters: City officials plan content to encourage longer stays and higher spending, linking tourist attractions with local commercial districts and traditional markets so the tourism boom supports the local economy.

Foreign visitors' card spending in Seoul rose 57.7 percent year on year in the first nine months of 2026, according to city government data.

City officials plan content to encourage longer stays and higher spending, linking tourist attractions with local commercial districts and traditional markets so the tourism boom supports the local economy.