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China vs South Korea: International Tourism Arrivals Comparison

Compare International Tourism Arrivals of China and South Korea over time using official World Bank Open Data.

⚡ Quick Comparison Summary

In 2020, China recorded International Tourism Arrivals of 30.40M vs 2.52M for South Korea (China's International Tourism Arrivals is 12.1× larger than South Korea's.).

🇨🇳 China
30.40M
-63.6% since 2000
🇰🇷 South Korea
2.52M
-52.7% since 2000
⚖️ Scale Ratio
12.1×
Gap: 27.88M
International Tourism Arrivals
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2000 2025
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China vs South Korea All Annual Observations (1995 – 2020)

Complete annual observations of International Tourism Arrivals for China and South Korea reported by World Bank.

Year 🇨🇳 China International Tourism Arrivals 🇰🇷 South Korea International Tourism Arrivals South Korea : China Ratio
2020 30.40M 2.52M 0.08×
2019 162.54M 17.50M 0.11×
2018 158.61M 15.35M 0.10×
2017 153.26M 13.34M 0.09×
2016 141.77M 17.24M 0.12×
2015 133.82M 13.23M 0.10×
2014 128.50M 14.20M 0.11×
2013 129.08M 12.18M 0.09×
2012 132.41M 11.14M 0.08×
2011 135.42M 9.79M 0.07×
2010 133.76M 8.80M 0.07×
2009 126.48M 7.82M 0.06×
2008 130.03M 6.89M 0.05×
2007 131.87M 6.45M 0.05×
2006 124.94M 6.16M 0.05×
2005 120.29M 6.02M 0.05×
2004 109.04M 5.82M 0.05×
2003 91.66M 4.75M 0.05×
2002 97.91M 5.35M 0.05×
2001 89.01M 5.15M 0.06×
2000 83.44M 5.32M 0.06×
1999 72.80M 4.66M 0.06×
1998 63.48M 4.25M 0.07×
1997 57.59M 3.91M 0.07×
1996 51.13M 3.68M 0.07×
1995 46.39M 3.75M 0.08×

International Tourism Arrivals Comparison

• Current Leader: In 2020, China recorded International Tourism Arrivals of 30.40M, while South Korea recorded 2.52M, representing a scale ratio of ~12.1×.
• 1995 Baseline: China stood at 46.39M and South Korea stood at 3.75M.
• 2000–2020 Trajectory: China moved to 30.40M (-63.6% since 2000), while South Korea moved to 2.52M (-52.7% since 2000).
• Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR): From 2000 to 2020, China's International Tourism Arrivals expanded at ~-4.9% CAGR, while South Korea's expanded at ~-3.7% CAGR.

Historical Trends

Over the available reporting period from 1995 to 2020, China and South Korea followed distinct developmental paths. In 1995, China recorded 46.39M compared to 3.75M for South Korea. By 2020, the values evolved to 30.40M and 2.52M respectively.

Key Differences

• Absolute Gap: Difference in 2020 is 27.88M.
• Scale Ratio: China is 12.1× size of South Korea.
• Highest Observed Year: Peak observed was 30.40M (China in 2020).
• Growth Trajectory: Since 2000, China achieved -63.6% since 2000, while South Korea achieved -52.7% since 2000.

About International Tourism Arrivals

International in-bound tourists (overnight visitors) arriving at national borders during the specified year.

This comparison uses standardized data from World Bank Open Data. Historical records allow analysts to trace long-term development trajectories for China and South Korea.

Frequently Asked Questions — International Tourism Arrivals

What is the International Tourism Arrivals of China?

In 2020, China's International Tourism Arrivals was 30.40M according to official World Bank data.

What is the International Tourism Arrivals of South Korea?

In 2020, South Korea's International Tourism Arrivals was 2.52M according to official World Bank data.

Which country has a higher International Tourism Arrivals?

In 2020, China recorded a higher International Tourism Arrivals of 30.40M compared to South Korea's 2.52M (a difference of 27.88M).

How has International Tourism Arrivals changed over time for China and South Korea?

From 2000 to 2020, China's International Tourism Arrivals changed by -63.6% since 2000, while South Korea's changed by -52.7% since 2000.

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Data Source and Methodology

Source: World Bank Open Data. Indicator Code: ST.INT.ARVL (International Tourism Arrivals). Values represent annual international tourism arrivals for China and South Korea from 1995 through 2020. Missing reporting years are omitted without converting missing values to zero.