South Korea

Tourism in South Korea refers to the tourist industry in the Republic of Korea. In 2012, 11.1 million foreign tourists visited South Korea, making it the 20th most visited country in the world, up from 8.5 million in 2010. Most non-Korean tourists come from Japan, China, Taiwan and Hong Kong. The recent popularity ofKorean popular culture, often known as the "Korean wave", in these countries has increased tourist arrivals.Seoul is the principal tourist destination for visitors; popular tourist destinations outside of Seoul includeSeorak-san national park, the historic city of Gyeongju and semi-tropical Jeju Island. Traveling to North Koreais not normally possible without a special permission, but in recent years organized group tours have allowed groups of South Korean citizens to visit Mount Kumgang