Foreign visitors spent 8.84 trillion won (US$6.57 billion) in Seoul using credit and debit cards from January to September 2026, up 57.7% from a year earlier and already 11% above the 7.94 trillion won recorded for all of 2025. Spending is on track to exceed 11 trillion won for the first time, although the figures exclude cash. Shopping represented 46% of spending, followed by medical and wellness services at 23.8%, food and beverages at 13.3%, and accommodation at 10.4%. Gangnam Ward captured the largest district share at 29.6%, followed by Jung Ward at 27.7% and Mapo Ward at 7.1%. Spending more than doubled in Gangdong, Guro, Dongdaemun and Seongdong wards, while Gangdong recorded a 128% increase. Seoul accounted for 71% of nationwide foreign-tourist card spending. Card spending in 10 major tourist areas rose 57.2% to 5.32 trillion won, while local commercial alleyways increased 80.5% to 308.2 billion won. Seoul received a record 13.14 million foreign visitors during the period, up 21.5% year on year, led by visitors from China, Japan, Taiwan and the United States. Foreign visits to Han River parks also rose 41.7%. The city government plans to encourage longer stays and higher spending by linking major attractions with local commercial districts and traditional markets.