Busan Named Top City for International Tourists, Wins Agoda 'Gold Circle Award'

by Kim Yongu

Published 17 Apr.2026 10:45(KST)

The Only Korean City Named as an "Outstanding Inbound Tourism Partner"

Busan has been recognized as an outstanding tourist city for international visitors by a leading domestic travel platform.

On April 17, Busan Metropolitan City announced that it was the only Korean city selected as an “Outstanding Inbound Tourism Partner” among domestic cities at the “2025 Gold Circle Awards” hosted by global online travel platform Agoda.

This award is seen as recognition that Busan has recorded high growth rates in foreign tourist arrivals in recent years and that its tourism promotion policies have been effective internationally.

According to Agoda, demand for travel to Korea is expanding, with accommodation searches increasing by 84% year-on-year. Busan received positive evaluations for its proactive tourism policies, competitiveness in accommodations, and its ability to attract visitors.

Agoda Gold Circle Awards Ceremony Scene.

This year’s awards selected about 3,000 accommodations out of over 160,000 worldwide, with 215 domestic accommodations included. Fourteen accommodations from Busan made the list.

In partnership with Agoda, the city is offering overseas tourists up to 15% off, with a maximum discount of 36,000 won on accommodation, for about 50,000 visitors until July 20.

From January to February this year, 556,183 foreign visitors came to Busan, up 39.7% from the previous year, while spending by international visitors last month reached 95.7 billion won, an increase of 18.1%.

Mayor Park Hyung-joon emphasized, “Tourism is a policy that transforms local income, employment, and urban infrastructure. We will ensure that the success of tourism translates into improved quality of life for our citizens.”