China and Japan's Golden Weeks Are Coming... 'Seoul Welcome Week' Runs Until October 11

[Financial News] With major East Asian countries' golden holidays, including Japan's Silver Week and China's National Day holiday, coming one after another, the Seoul Metropolitan Government is stepping up efforts to attract foreign tourists. It will provide customized hospitality services from the moment foreign tourists arrive to their sightseeing in downtown Seoul, including offering tourist passes at the airport that provide free access to major national heritage sites and hosting K-pop performances in Myeong-dong. On the 15th, the Seoul Metropolitan Government announced that, together with the Seoul Tourism Organization (STO) and the Seoul Tourism Association, it will operate the '2026 Seoul Welcome Week (SEOUL WELCOME WEEK: Autumn Edition)' for 23 days from the 19th through October 11, centered on major tourist hubs such as the airports and Myeong-dong.
According to the Seoul Metropolitan Government, 1.61 million foreign tourists visited Seoul last July, with tourism spending reaching 1.0707 trillion won. By country and region, China had the most visitors at 600,000, followed by Japan with 250,000 and Taiwan with 200,000.
In particular, holidays in major East Asian countries will continue from this month, including Japan's Silver Week from the 19th to the 23rd of this month, China's Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holidays from the 25th to the 27th of this month and from October 1 to 7, and Taiwan's National Day holiday from October 9 to 11.
In line with this, the Seoul Metropolitan Government is expanding its Welcome Week, previously centered on Myeong-dong, to Incheon International Airport, Gimpo International Airport, tourist information centers and booths, and the Seoul Culture Lounge.
At the airports, free tourist passes will be provided to foreign tourists. The 'Discover Seoul Pass Heritage Edition,' which allows free admission to 12 national heritage sites, including the Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty, the Four Grand Palaces, and Jongmyo Shrine, and provides discounts at more than 110 affiliated facilities, will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis at the Incheon International Airport and Gimpo International Airport Tourist Information Centers.
Thirteen tourist information centers and fixed information booths, including those at Seoul Tourism Plaza, Myeong-dong, Incheon International Airport, and Gimpo International Airport, will host participatory events and traditional culture programs themed around Chuseok. Souvenirs such as fortune cookies and traditional knot ornaments will also be provided.
Myeong-dong will put K-content at the forefront. From October 1 to 8, the 'Seoul Welcome Center' will open near Exit 6 of Myeong-dong Station, providing tourist information and interpretation services in English, Chinese, and Japanese.
The Seoul Culture Lounge on the 11th floor of Seoul Tourism Plaza will offer Korean holiday and traditional culture experience programs, including traditional dance lessons and songpyeon-making, from the 19th through October 10.
E-Land Cruise will also offer foreign tourists a 20% discount on cruise tickets during Welcome Week.
The Seoul Metropolitan Government, together with the Seoul Tourism Association, is encouraging the tourism industry to prevent excessive charges and unfair practices, maintain fair prices and honest transactions, and provide friendly service to tourists. Multilingual information staff will be deployed at major event venues, and safety management will also be strengthened.
Cho Seong-ho, Director General of the Tourism and Sports Bureau of the Seoul Metropolitan Government, said, "We will make meticulous preparations so that visitors can fully experience a warm welcome and Seoul's diverse charms throughout the city, from the moment they arrive until they complete their trip."
[email protected] Seongchorong Reporter