On the 25th, President Yoon Suk-yeol stated that achieving the goal of attracting 30 million foreign tourists by 2030 requires a significant shift from quantitative to qualitative growth within South Korea's tourism sector. Speaking at the 11th expanded national tourism strategy meeting, which saw participation from a wide array of stakeholders in the tourism industry, President Yoon emphasized that tourism is a fundamental national strategy for South Korea. He noted the importance of engaging both government officials and the private sector in discussions to enhance the tourism landscape.

President Yoon highlighted the impressively growing number of foreign tourists, which reached a record high of 18.93 million last year, signaling that the country is on the brink of a new era in tourism. However, he cautioned that the current concentration of 80% of tourist arrivals in Seoul could limit the potential for growth. By encouraging a more evenly distributed tourism experience across the nation, he believes that both local businesses and national growth can be sustained. He advocated for a tourism strategy that involves innovative solutions that showcase unique regional assets.

To secure sustainable growth in the tourism sector, President Yoon outlined several necessary steps, including improving transportation infrastructures such as local airports and cruise terminals, as well as reforming immigration policies. By broadening the tourism offerings beyond major urban centers and enhancing the tourist experience through local engagement, he aims to not only welcome more international visitors but also ensure that the advantages of tourism are felt within the local economies, thereby fostering broader economic development throughout the country.