Seoul (TDI): South Korea has initiated a pilot program allowing visa-free entry for Chinese tourist groups, starting Monday. The tourists can stay without a visa for up to 15 days.
This move comes following the announcement made by South Korea in March, in reciprocation of similar policy that has been adopted by China for South Koreans.
It also comes as South Korea tries to improve relations with China and set the stage for cooperation as President Xi Jinping is expected to visit the country in October.
Under South Korea’s new policy, groups of three or more tourists from China can enter South Korea without a visa for up to 15 days. This policy will run until June 2026.
The timing coincides with China’s National Day holidays from October 1–8 and a series of South Korean holidays, potentially boosting tourism and economic activity.
South Korean businesses are already capitalizing on the move; for example, Shilla Duty Free is organizing Chinese cruise tours, and Baedal Minjok, a food delivery app, is integrating Chinese payment platforms Alipay and WeChat Pay.
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A similar Chinese policy was implemented in November 2024, which allows South Koreans to stay in China visa-free for up to 30 days.
As for South Korea, it marks its first such policy for Chinese tourists since the 2017–2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics.
It also reflects a broader trend of easing travel restrictions in the region, as countries seek to recover from the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
It is not unusual for countries to introduce policies that ease tourism travel. China itself is a big champion of such moves, in a bid to attract tourists and allow them to experience Chinese culture and norms.
Announcing visa ease for Chinese citizens also allows South Korea to create a soft spot, that may culminate into more cooperation.
It is noteworthy that United States troops are stationed in South Korea for years as part of a security umbrella against North Korea.
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