Scams targeting foreign nationals soar in South Korea amid K-culture tourism boom

South Korea is grappling with a surge in scams targeting its growing number of foreign visitors, a trend that threatens to tarnish its image as a leading cultural destination. As more international fans flock to the country for K-pop concerts, merchandise, and other cultural experiences, police data reveals a dramatic rise in fraud cases reported by non-nationals.

Data from South Korea's National Police Agency shows that the number of fraud reports filed by foreign nationals nearly quadrupled in just two years, escalating from 5,307 cases in 2023 to 19,907 in 2025. Many of these incidents involve the purchase of K-pop merchandise and concert tickets, where overseas fans transfer money to intermediaries who then disappear after receiving payment.

These scams often exploit the unfamiliarity of foreign visitors with South Korea's online purchasing systems and language. The problem was starkly evident during a recent BTS concert in Busan, where five out of seven crimes reported involving foreign nationals at the venue were scam-related. Critics warn that such criminal activity could undermine South Korea's carefully cultivated appeal, especially as the number of international tourists reaches record highs.

In response to the escalating issue, Kim Jun-hwan of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea emphasized the need for stronger measures to protect international visitors. He called for enhanced cooperation among government agencies to combat these crimes effectively. The Korea Tourism Knowledge and Information System reported that foreign visitor numbers reached a record 18.94 million in 2025, a substantial increase from previous years.

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As more foreign nationals visit South Korea to experience Korean culture, stronger measures are needed to prevent them from becoming victims of crime.