China’s Visa-Free Policy Sparks Hope for Korean Tourism Industry
Seoul, November3, 2024 – The Korean tourism industry is brimming with optimismfollowing China’s recent announcement of a visa-free entry policy for South Koreans. The move is expected to significantly boost travel demand to China.
According toa statement released by the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs on November 1st, China will expand its visa-free program to include Slovakia, Norway, Finland, Denmark,Iceland, Andorra, Monaco, Liechtenstein, and South Korea. This policy, effective from November 8th, 2024, to December 31st, 2025, will allow citizens of these countries to enter China forbusiness, tourism, family visits, and transit for up to 15 days without a visa.
This marks the first time South Korea has been included in China’s visa-free program. The visa exemption will save both time and moneyfor those planning trips to China, said a representative from Hana Tourism, expressing anticipation for a resurgence in Chinese tourism.
The tourism industry believes that this policy will particularly appeal to the 20-40 age group, who previously showed less interest in traveling to China. The removal of visa hurdles is expected tomake China a more accessible and attractive destination for young travelers seeking new experiences.
We anticipate a significant increase in travel bookings to China, especially for popular destinations like Beijing, Shanghai, and Xi’an, said a spokesperson from a major Korean travel agency. The visa-free policy will not only benefit the tourismsector but also contribute to strengthening cultural exchanges and economic cooperation between the two countries.
The Korean government has also expressed its support for the policy, highlighting its potential to enhance bilateral relations and promote tourism. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism is actively working with the tourism industry to prepare for the influx of Chinese tourists, includingdeveloping new travel packages and promoting Korean cultural experiences.
The visa-free policy is expected to have a positive impact on the Korean economy, boosting tourism revenue and creating new job opportunities in the travel and hospitality sectors. As the Chinese market reopens, the Korean tourism industry is poised to capitalize on this opportunity and welcome anew wave of Chinese travelers.
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