Official announcement from the South Korean government or Ministry of Foreign Affairs

South Korea Considers Visa-Free Entry for Chinese Tourists by December 2025, Says Prime Minister Han Duck-soo

Dec 26, 2024, 03:36 AM

South Korea is contemplating a visa-free entry for Chinese group tourists as part of efforts to revive its tourism sector. During the 9th National Tourism Strategy Meeting held on December 26, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo emphasized the need for the government to focus on stabilizing the tourism market amid recent downturns. The proposed visa exemption would be part of a trial program, alongside an extension of the visa issuance fee exemption for group tourists from six countries, including China, Vietnam, the Philippines, Indonesia, Cambodia, and India, which is set to last until December 2025. The Prime Minister's Office confirmed that the government aims to expedite the implementation of the visa-free trial for Chinese group tourists to boost the recovery of the domestic tourism industry.