South Korea has announced a temporary visa-free entry program for Chinese tourist groups, set to begin on September 29. The scheme will run until mid-2026 and is aimed at reviving the country’s tourism sector while strengthening ties with its largest source market.
The Ministry of Justice confirmed that the measure applies to organized groups traveling through accredited travel agencies. Officials said the policy is designed to make travel easier for Chinese visitors, who accounted for nearly one-third of South Korea’s inbound market before the pandemic.
Industry experts believe the decision comes at a critical time, with outbound travel from China rebounding sharply in 2025. Popular destinations such as Seoul, Busan, and Jeju are expected to benefit from the move, along with the country’s duty-free and retail sectors.
“China is an essential partner for our tourism industry,” a ministry spokesperson said. “We expect this step to create more opportunities for cultural exchange and economic growth.”
The announcement has been welcomed by airlines and travel operators, many of which are already preparing additional flights and packages to meet the anticipated surge in demand.