South Korea witnessed a staggering 87% surge in foreign arrivals this year but Thai visitors tell a different story. According to recent data from the Korea Tourism Organisation, arrivals from Thailand have plummeted by over 21% from last year, totalling just 119,000 visitors from January to April.
The decline has raised eyebrows across the tourism industry, with experts pointing fingers at South Korea’s strict new travel rules under the K-ETA system. This electronic authorisation system, implemented to curb illegal immigration, requires visa-free travellers, including many Thais, to secure approval before setting foot in the country.
“The surge in Chinese and Japanese tourists highlights a stark…