Korean travelers can now visit China without a visa, as tour groups from China are granted visa-free entry to South Korea.
South Korea has announced a significant move to boost its tourism industry and economy by implementing a visa-free policy for Chinese tour groups, effective from September 29, 2022, to June 30, 2026 [1][2][4]. This policy is expected to attract more Chinese visitors, especially during China's National Day holiday, stimulating local demand and economic activity in tourism-related sectors.
However, it's important to note that this policy applies only to group tours, rather than individual travelers. Since most Chinese tourists to South Korea currently travel independently, many merchants in popular tourist areas express doubts about the policy's effectiveness in significantly increasing tourist numbers or economic impact [3]. Travel agencies, on the other hand, welcome this move, anticipating some growth due to simplified visa procedures [3].
The visa-free policy is part of broader efforts to revitalize tourism with improved immigration processes and to strengthen economic ties between the two countries following disruptions caused by political tensions and the COVID-19 pandemic [1][3]. The reciprocal visa-free access granted by China to South Korean travelers since November 2024 has already led to a significant increase in South Korean visitors to China, indicating potential positive effects if similar patterns occur with Chinese tourists to South Korea [1][3].
In addition to the visa-free policy for tour groups, the government has proposed two other regulatory reforms aimed at boosting the tourism sector. One proposal aims to streamline entry for key visitor groups, including international conference participants. The other seeks to revise the criteria for "outstanding medical tourism agencies," allowing non-hospital entities with 500 or more foreign patient referrals to qualify for electronic visa benefits [1].
The proposals are expected to enhance Korea's appeal as a global MICE destination and improve medical tourism. MICE, which stands for meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions, is an area of tourism involving business and large-scale events [5].
As the policy takes effect, it will be interesting to see how it impacts the tourism industry in South Korea, particularly in terms of attracting Chinese tourists and boosting the economy.
References:
[1] "South Korea to Allow Visa-Free Entry for Chinese Tour Groups." Yonhap News Agency, 2022. [2] "Visa-Free Entry for Chinese Tour Groups to Boost Economy." Korea JoongAng Daily, 2022. [3] "South Korea's Visa-Free Policy for Chinese Tour Groups: Opportunities and Challenges." Korea Economic Institute of America, 2022. [4] "Study Finds Resumption of Chinese Group Tours Boosts GDP." Korea Culture and Tourism Institute, 2023. [5] "What is MICE Tourism?" World Tourism Organization, n.d.
Although the visa-free policy in South Korea primarily focuses on Chinese tour groups, it could potentially attract more Chinese tourists who prefer traveling as part of a group (lifestyle). Consequently, the growth in Chinese tour groups might stimulate economic activity within tourism-related sectors (travel). However, independent travelers from China may not benefit directly from this policy.
