The South Korea ecotourism market size reached USD 4,189.20 Million in 2024. The market is projected to reach USD 11,095.59 Million by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 11.43% during 2025-2033. The market is propelled by the nation's strategic emphasis on eco-friendly tourism development, supported by state policies for low-impact travel and conservation of nature. Further, heightened domestic and foreign demand for wellness, cultural heritage, and countryside experiences is fueling market expansion. Additionally, expanding environmental concern among travelers as well as tourism operators adopting green modes are speeding up investments in environmental-friendly infrastructure, which is also contributing to the South Korea ecotourism market share.
Report Attribute
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Key Statistics
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Base Year
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2024
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Forecast Years
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2025-2033
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Historical Years
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2019-2024
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Market Size in 2024 | USD 4,189.20 Million |
Market Forecast in 2033 | USD 11,095.59 Million |
Market Growth Rate 2025-2033 | 11.43% |
Integration of Smart Technology in Ecotourism Experiences
The market is experiencing a significant technological transformation with the integration of smart tourism tools to enhance visitor engagement and environmental sustainability. Additionally, the deployment of digital platforms, such as mobile apps, QR-based eco-trails, and AI-powered interpretation systems, is redefining how tourists interact with nature. As per industry reports, since December 2023, Seoul Metro has implemented AI-powered real-time translation services at select stations to improve the travel experience for international visitors. These services, currently deployed at 12 high-traffic locations popular among tourists, utilize transparent OLED screens that facilitate seamless face-to-face communication. In protected areas like Seoraksan and Bukhansan National Parks, smart systems provide real-time data on trail congestion, weather conditions, and ecological sensitivity to promote responsible tourism behavior. In line with this, augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies are also being introduced to offer immersive educational experiences without disturbing natural habitats. Furthermore, eco-accommodation providers are implementing IoT-enabled energy management systems to reduce their environmental footprint. These innovations align with the country's broader "Smart Tourism City" agenda, which includes investments in digital infrastructure to support personalized, data-driven travel experiences. As ecotourism destinations adopt such technologies, they are not only improving visitor satisfaction but also reinforcing South Korea's reputation as a forward-thinking, eco-conscious travel destination.
Growing Interest in Wellness and Forest Healing Tourism
The rising demand for wellness-oriented travel, particularly forest healing and nature therapy experiences, is positively impacting the South Korea ecotourism market growth. This trend is closely tied to societal concerns over mental health, urban stress, and the pursuit of holistic well-being. The Korea Forest Service has been instrumental in institutionalizing forest healing tourism, designating numerous "healing forests" across the country, including in Jirisan, Chiaksan, and Jeju. These forests offer guided therapeutic programs involving meditation, forest bathing (shinrin-yoku), aromatherapy, and light hiking tailored to individuals and corporate wellness groups. Notably, on October 29, 2024, the Jincheon Declaration on Forest Therapy was officially signed during the World Forum on Forest Therapy, marking a historic first in establishing a global framework for forest therapy. The declaration outlines fundamental principles and best practices to advance forest-based healing and highlights the role of collective storytelling in promoting ecosystem restoration. This milestone signifies a major step toward standardizing forest therapy initiatives and encouraging international cooperation among governments, practitioners, and researchers. Besides, the combination of clean air, biodiversity, and serene natural settings provides an ideal backdrop for restorative travel experiences. This wellness-driven trend not only appeals to domestic tourists but also attracts international visitors seeking alternative health retreats. By integrating ecotourism with wellness tourism, South Korea is positioning itself as a premier destination for nature-based rejuvenation.
IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the market, along with forecasts at the country and regional levels for 2025-2033. Our report has categorized the market based on traveler type, age group, and sales channel.
Traveler Type Insights:
The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the traveler type. This includes solo and group.
Age Group Insights:
A detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the age group have also been provided in the report. This includes generation X, generation Y, and generation Z.
Sales Channel Insights:
The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the sales channel. This includes travel agent and direct.
Regional Insights:
The report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of all the major regional markets, which include Seoul Capital Area, Yeongnam (Southeastern Region), Honam (Southwestern Region), Hoseo (Central Region), and others.
The market research report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of the competitive landscape. Competitive analysis such as market structure, key player positioning, top winning strategies, competitive dashboard, and company evaluation quadrant has been covered in the report. Also, detailed profiles of all major companies have been provided.
Report Features | Details |
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Base Year of the Analysis | 2024 |
Historical Period | 2019-2024 |
Forecast Period | 2025-2033 |
Units | Million USD |
Scope of the Report |
Exploration of Historical Trends and Market Outlook, Industry Catalysts and Challenges, Segment-Wise Historical and Future Market Assessment:
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Traveler Types Covered | Solo, Group |
Age Groups Covered | Generation X, Generation Y, Generation Z |
Sales Channels Covered | Travel Agent, Direct |
Regions Covered | Seoul Capital Area, Yeongnam (Southeastern Region), Honam (Southwestern Region), Hoseo (Central Region), Others |
Customization Scope | 10% Free Customization |
Post-Sale Analyst Support | 10-12 Weeks |
Delivery Format | PDF and Excel through Email (We can also provide the editable version of the report in PPT/Word format on special request) |
Key Questions Answered in This Report:
Key Benefits for Stakeholders: