Seoul’s Royal Revival Sees 6.6% Jump in Foreign Visitor Numbers

The Joseon era palaces and Jongmyo Shrine in central Seoul have long been revered for their grandeur and historical significance, attracting visitors from around the world with their rich cultural heritage. According to recent numbers, these sites are once again gaining popularity, with a 6.6% increase in foreign visitor numbers in the first half of 2026 compared to the same period last year.

The four palaces – Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Changgyeonggung, and Deoksugung – as well as Jongmyo Shrine have been steadily attracting more visitors since 2023. With over 7 million visitors in the first half of 2026, these sites have firmly established themselves as among Seoul’s most popular attractions.

Gyeongbokgung Palace has emerged as a clear front-runner in terms of visitor numbers, with over 3.65 million visitors in the first half of 2026. Its proximity to popular tourist spots like Gwanghwamun Square and Insa-dong only adds to its allure. The Royal Culture Festival, held between April 25 and May 3 this year, likely played a significant role in drawing visitors to the palace.

April and May saw a peak in visitor numbers at Gyeongbokgung, with over 1.63 million foreign tourists flocking to the palace during these months. The pleasant spring weather and cultural events galore made it an ideal time for tourists to visit.

The surge in tourism is not without its challenges, however. South Korea has been working tirelessly to promote its cultural heritage sites through initiatives like the free admission program currently underway until July 19. While this may be a welcome move for locals and visitors alike, it raises questions about the sustainability of such programs in the long term.

As officials look to build on the success of the past year, they will be keen to beat the previous record of 17.81 million visitors set in 2025. However, with more and more visitors comes pressure on infrastructure and resources – how will Seoul’s authorities balance the need for preservation with the demands of mass tourism?

The city’s royal revival shows no signs of slowing down, but it is essential to consider the impact on these historic sites themselves. As Seoul continues to navigate its role as a cultural hub, it would do well to take a step back and consider what this means for its heritage sites – and the people who call them home.