Tourist arrivals from Russia to South Korea rose by 13 percent to 193,000 people during the first nine months of 2026, the Russian Union of Travel Industry reported.
The industry group noted that travel to South Korea has become a growing trend among Russian holidaymakers. Across all international markets, South Korea welcomed a total of 17.1 million foreign tourists between January and September 2026, according to data from the Korea Tourism Organization.
The Russian Union of Travel Industry, abbreviated as RST, is Russia's largest tourism trade association, bringing together tour operators, travel agencies and hospitality providers. The Korea Tourism Organization, or KTO, is the South Korean government agency responsible for marketing the East Asian nation abroad and publishing official visitor statistics.
Connecting flights through China and value for money
Lyubov Chuchmaeva, deputy general director of the travel company Paks, said that in her view South Korea is currently experiencing a golden era on the Russian market.
She noted that in the absence of direct air service between the two countries, convenient connecting flights are available through China, and travellers have already adapted to long-haul flights. Chuchmaeva added that South Korea is one of the destinations offering an excellent balance of price and quality.
South Korea occupies the southern half of the Korean Peninsula in East Asia, with Seoul as its capital and largest city. Because mainland China lies directly between Russian airspace and the Korean Peninsula, Chinese airports serve as major transit hubs for passengers flying to South Korea.
Sightseeing seasons and medical tourism in South Korea
According to Dmitry Arutyunov, general director of the tour operator Art-Tour, Russian demand is driven mainly by sightseeing trips timed to specific vibrant seasons, such as the cherry blossom season.
Arutyunov said medical tourism ranks second in popularity among Russian travellers. He explained that medical trips range from plastic surgery, cosmetology and tours of cosmetic brands to serious procedures such as spinal surgery, and noted that visitors combine their treatments with sightseeing around the country.
Cultural events, including concerts, gatherings and festivals, rank third in demand among Russian tourists visiting the country, according to Arutyunov.
South Korea has developed a major global profile for its beauty and skincare sector, widely known as K-beauty, alongside international medical clinics that treat overseas patients. At the same time, the global wave of South Korean popular culture, known as Hallyu, draws foreign visitors to live music performances and cultural festivals throughout the year.
Technical consultations on direct flights to Asia
The rise in tourist numbers follows earlier moves by Russia to restart direct flights with both South Korea and neighbouring Japan.
Russian airlines are holding technical consultations with aviation carriers from the two Asian countries on the issue of resuming direct air links. While direct routes remain suspended, passengers travelling from Russia to South Korea continue to rely on connecting flights through third countries.
