The annual number of foreigners visiting South Korea is about to surpass 12 million for the first time.

The Culture and Tourism Ministry on Thursday said South Korea is expected to reach this year’s target of 12 million tourists on Friday. The annual figure first topped one million in 1978 and cleared ten million last year.

The number of Japanese tourists sharply decreased due to the weak yen and diplomatic conflicts, but the number of Chinese travelers jumped 53 percent from a year ago to over four million.

Chinese tourists accounted for 36 percent of all foreigners who visited South Korea this year, making up the largest percentage for the first time.

The ministry plans to deliver a bouquet of flowers to the 12 millionth foreign tourist who is expected to arrive at Jeju Airport on Friday.