US EditionSouth Korea Welcomes Chinese Tourists with Visa-Free Entry
The visa-free program aims to boost tourism and retail spending with an expected 1 million additional Chinese visitors by June, according to the Korea Tourism Organization.
- Starting September 29, 2025, Chinese tourist groups of three or more can visit South Korea without a visa for stays lasting up to 15 days.
- The pilot programme, announced in March 2025 to enhance economic relations, takes effect just before China’s National Day celebrations from October 1 to 8 and a series of holidays occurring in South Korea during that period.
- The programme will run until June 30, 2026, allowing groups recruited by designated agencies and complementing Jeju Island’s existing visa-free policy for individual and group travelers up to 30 days.
- In July 2025, Chinese tourists represented 34.7% of the 1.73 million foreign visitors to Korea, totaling 602,147 individuals—a 31.2% increase compared to the previous year—while authorities anticipate the program will attract about one million more Chinese travelers before it concludes.
- Despite rising anti-China protests that prompted government countermeasures, South Korean businesses are preparing for increased Chinese tourism to support recovery and improved bilateral relations.
20 Articles
20 Articles
South Korea Opens Door to Chinese Tourists With New Visa-Free Entry
Seoul has launched a visa-free entry program for Chinese tourist groups, hoping to boost its slowing economy and improve relations with Beijing.Starting this week, groups of three or more travelers from mainland China can enter South Korea without a visa for stays of up to 15 days. The pilot scheme, which runs until June next […] The post South Korea Opens Door to Chinese Tourists With New Visa-Free Entry appeared first on Modern Diplomacy.
South Korea launches visa-free entry for Chinese tourists in push to boost economy
SEOUL, Sept 29 — South Korea began offering visa-free entry for Chinese tourist groups today, a measure it hopes will boost the economy and help improve ties with its Asian neighbour.As part of the pilot programme, which will run until June 2026, groups of three or more tourists from mainland China will be able to stay without a visa for up to 15 days.The move comes ahead of China’s National Day holidays from October 1 to 8, as well as a run of …
South Korea starts trial visa-free entry for Chinese group tourists
South Korea began a trial visa-free entry program for Chinese group tourists on September 29, which will remain in effect until June 30, 2026.Under the policy, groups of three or more Chinese travelers can enter South Korea without a visa for up to 15
South Korea's visa-free entry for Chinese tourists begins
Chinese tourists arrive at Incheon International Cruise Terminal on Monday, marking the first day of South Korea’s visa-free entry program for Chinese group tours. Under the program, which runs through June 30, groups of three or more Chinese nationals traveling with designated domestic or overseas agencies can stay in South Korea without a visa for up to 15 days. Jeju Island, which already allows Chinese visitors visa-free entry, will maintain …
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