Seoul, South Korea – In a bid to revitalize its tourism sector, the South Korean government is planning to implement a limited-time visa-free entry policy for Chinese tour groups starting in the third quarter of this year, according to Yonhap News Agency.
The announcement came during a meeting on the tourism sector, presided over by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance Choe Sang-mok, who is currently acting as president. Choe was in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province, inspecting preparations for the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit.
To promote the rapid recovery of Chinese tourists visiting Korea, the government will announce a plan next month to implement a time-limited visa-free entry policy for Chinese tour groups, with the aim of officially implementing it in the third quarter, Choe stated.
This move signals a significant effort by the South Korean government to attract Chinese tourists, a demographic that has historically been a major contributor to the country’s tourism revenue. The policy aims to streamline the entry process for organized tour groups, making South Korea a more attractive destination for Chinese travelers.
The government also plans to actively promote targeted tourism products and explore the potential demand for tourism from Southeast Asia and the Middle East. Recognizing the shift in tourism consumption from sightseeing to experience-based activities, the government intends to leverage K-everything – encompassing Korean culture, entertainment, and products – to develop unique tourism resources. This includes creating tourism products linked to beauty, food, and other aspects of Korean culture.
The details of the visa-free policy, including the specific duration and conditions, are expected to be released next month. This initiative is poised to have a positive impact on the South Korean tourism industry, which has been working to recover from the challenges posed by the pandemic and geopolitical factors.
References:
- Yonhap News Agency. (2024, March 20). 韩政府拟三季度对中国团客实行限时免签政策 [South Korean government plans to implement time-limited visa-free policy for Chinese tour groups in the third quarter]. Retrieved from [Insert URL from provided text]
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