The annual number of foreign visitors to Korea has surpassed 8 million for the first time.

Chinese tourist Sun Renzhou was greeted as the 8 millionth visitor when she arrived at Incheon International Airport from Shanghai on an Asiana Airlines flight on Monday.

Chinese tourist Sun Renzhou is welcomed as the 8 millionth visitor to Korea this year at Incheon International Airport on Monday. /Yonhap

As she is an assistant manager in charge of business with Korea at a German chemical products company in China, she visits a few times a year, Sun said. She cited the trendy fashions, food, and friendly people as Korea's top attractions.

Sun was awarded a round-trip plane ticket from Incheon to Shanghai, a certificate for a free stay in the Shilla Hotel in Seoul, and a digital camera.

The annual number of foreign visitors has been on rise, reaching 5 million in 2000, 6.02 million in 2005, and 7.81 million last year. The Korea Tourism Organization estimates the figure will hit 8.7 million this year.