Seoul, South Korea – In a bid to revitalize its tourism sector, the South Korean government announced plans on March 20th to implement a limited-time visa-free entry policy for Chinese tour groups, slated to begin in the third quarter of this year.
The announcement, reported by the China News Service (CNS), signals a strategic move to attract a significant influx of Chinese tourists, a demographic that has historically contributed substantially to South Korea’s tourism revenue.
This initiative reflects South Korea’s proactive approach to stimulating its economy and fostering stronger ties with China, said a representative from the Korea Culture & Tourism Institute. By easing visa restrictions, we aim to provide a more seamless and attractive travel experience for Chinese visitors.
The specific details of the visa-free policy, including the duration of stay and eligible tour group criteria, are expected to be released in the coming weeks. However, the move has already been met with enthusiasm from tourism industry stakeholders in South Korea, who anticipate a surge in bookings and increased economic activity.
This decision comes at a time when the global tourism industry is gradually recovering from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. While individual travel has begun to rebound, group tourism, particularly from China, remains a crucial segment for many destinations.
The visa-free policy is a welcome step towards normalizing tourism flows between our two countries, commented a spokesperson for a leading travel agency specializing in Chinese tourism. We are confident that this will not only benefit South Korea’s economy but also strengthen cultural exchange and understanding between our peoples.
The South Korean government’s decision underscores the importance of tourism as a driver of economic growth and cultural diplomacy. As the third quarter approaches, the world will be watching to see the impact of this policy on South Korea’s tourism landscape and its relationship with China.
References:
- 中新社首尔3月20日电 (刘旭 季龙雨). (2025, March 20). 韩政府拟于今年第三季度对中国团体游客实行限时免签政策 [South Korean government plans to implement limited-time visa-free policy for Chinese tour groups in the third quarter of this year]. China News Service. Retrieved from [Insert original URL here, if available]
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