South Korea is set to introduce a pilot program next year allowing Chinese tour groups to enter the country without a visa, aiming to revitalize its tourism industry amid lingering political challenges, according to Korea Times. The plan, unveiled during a meeting led by acting President Han Duck-soo, is part of broader efforts to recover from setbacks caused by recent domestic turmoil.
Tourism Targets and Challenges
With 13.74 million inbound visitors recorded from January to October this year, South Korea is unlikely to meet its ambitious goal of attracting 20 million tourists by year-end. For 2024, the government has set a more attainable target of 18.5 million foreign visitors, exceeding the pre-pandemic high of 17.5 million in 2019.
The visa-free initiative, inspired by a similar program launched by China for South Koreans, would allow Chinese tourists to visit mainland Korea without a visa, expanding the current policy that permits visa-free stays only on Jeju Island. The government plans to assess the program’s success before deciding whether to make it permanent after 2026.
Preventing Misuse and Illegal Stays
To mitigate concerns over illegal immigration, visa-free entry will only be granted to tourists invited by authorized Chinese tour group agencies. Regulatory measures for travel agencies will also be strengthened to ensure compliance.
Additionally, the temporary exemption from the Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) for visa-free travelers will be extended until December 2025. The $15 visa fee waiver for tourist groups from six countries, including China, Vietnam, and India, will also remain in place through the end of next year.
Promotional Campaigns and Events
The government is allocating 70% of its annual tourism budget for large-scale campaigns and events in the first half of 2024. These initiatives include:
Korea Grand Sale: Discounts on airline tickets, department store goods, and duty-free products from January to February.
Hallyu Festival: A cultural celebration in June to attract fans of Korean entertainment and culture.
Korea Beauty Festival: Extended from June to July, highlighting Korea’s thriving beauty industry.
Efforts will also target tourists attending the World Expo in Osaka, Japan, encouraging them to include Korea in their travel plans.
The Road Ahead
“The world’s fascination with Korean culture is a driving force for tourism,” acting President Han said. While concerns linger over domestic political impacts, the government is optimistic about its comprehensive measures to restore the tourism sector to pre-COVID levels and beyond.
Photo: travellersnep
