The number of overseas travelers hit a record high last month as many South Koreans went abroad to spend their summer vacation.

The Korea National Tourism Organization (KNTO) said on Wednesday that some 897-thousand South Koreans made overseas trips last month, a 23 percent rise from a year ago. It is the largest monthly figure since January this year.

Travel to China increased more than 80 percent from a year ago, making it the most popular destination for South Koreans in July.

Meanwhile, the number of foreign travelers to South Korea also surged 34 percent last month from a year ago, the largest increase since October 2002.