(SOUTH KOREA) South Korea will allow visa-free entry for group tourists from China starting September 29, 2025, through June 30, 2026. The government hopes this move will boost tourism, help the economy recover, and improve ties with China, especially during important events like China’s Golden Week and the APEC summit in Gyeongju.
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism confirmed the policy, with Prime Minister Kim Min-seok leading the announcement. This is the first time South Korea has offered visa-free entry to Chinese group tourists across the entire country, not just Jeju Island. The decision follows China’s own visa waiver for South Koreans in 2024, which led to a big increase in travel between the two countries.
Key Details of the Visa-Free Entry Policy
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Effective Dates | September 29, 2025 – June 30, 2026 |
| Who Can Use It | Only Chinese citizens traveling as part of officially recognized group tours |
| Where | All international airports and seaports in South Korea |
| Purpose | To attract more tourists, boost spending, and strengthen the friendship between South Korea 🇰🇷 and China 🇨🇳 |
China allows South Koreans to visit without a visa for up to 15 days
20.4% increase in travel between China and South Korea reported
Visa-free entry for Chinese group tourists begins
Visa-free entry for Chinese group tourists ends
South Korea plans to lower foreign participant threshold for fast-track immigration screening
The timing is important. South Korea wants to welcome more visitors during China’s Golden Week, a major holiday when many Chinese people travel abroad. The APEC summit in Gyeongju, which brings leaders from 21 countries, will also take place during this period. The government expects the visa-free entry to bring more group tourists, help local businesses, and show South Korea’s openness to the world.
Background and Why This Matters
Before this change, Chinese tourists could only visit Jeju Island without a visa. Now, group tourists can enter anywhere in South Korea. This is a big step, as Chinese visitors are the largest group of foreign tourists in South Korea. In the first half of 2025, 2.5 million Chinese tourists visited, according to the Korea Tourism Organization.
The new policy also matches China’s earlier decision. In November 2024, China allowed South Koreans to visit China without a visa for up to 15 days. That led to a 20.4% jump in travel between the two countries from November 2024 to March 2025. South Korea’s move is seen as a way to keep this positive trend going and to show respect for China’s earlier action.
How the Visa-Free Entry Works for Group Tourists
- Eligibility: Only group tourists from China can use this visa-free entry. The group must be organized by an authorized Chinese travel agency. Individual travelers are not included.
- Entry Points: All international airports and seaports in South Korea are open for this program, not just Jeju.
- Stay Duration: Tourists can stay for the length of their group tour, as long as it is within the policy dates.
- Required Documents: Travelers must be part of a registered group tour. The travel agency will handle the paperwork and work with South Korean authorities to get entry permission.
- Process: When the group arrives, they are processed together. The travel agency submits a list of travelers in advance, making the entry process smoother.
For more information and updates, travelers and agencies can check the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism’s official website.
Economic and Social Impact
The announcement had an immediate effect on the market. Shares of companies that depend on tourism—like department stores, hotels, casinos, and beauty product firms—rose quickly. Big names such as Hyundai Department Store, Hotel Shilla, Paradise (a casino operator), and Hankook Cosmetics saw their stock prices go up. This shows that investors expect more tourists to spend money, helping businesses recover from the slow years during the pandemic.
The government believes that more group tourists will help local economies, especially in cities and regions outside Seoul. Restaurants, shops, hotels, and tourist attractions are expected to see more visitors and higher sales. This is important for workers and small businesses that rely on tourism.
Diplomatic and Cultural Significance
Prime Minister Kim Min-seok said the policy is not just about money. It is also about bringing people together and building stronger ties with China 🇨🇳. President Lee Jae-myung’s administration wants to show that South Korea is open to friendship and cooperation. Chinese Ambassador Dai Bing welcomed the decision, saying it will help both countries understand each other better.
The policy is also seen as a smart diplomatic move. By matching China’s earlier visa waiver, South Korea shows respect and a willingness to work together. This could lead to more cooperation in other areas, like business, education, and culture.
What Group Tourists Need to Know
- 📋 Only group tours are allowed: If you want to visit South Korea under this policy, you must join an official group tour organized by a licensed Chinese travel agency.
- 📋 No individual applications: Solo travelers or those not in a group cannot use this visa-free entry.
- 📋 Stay within the tour dates: You can only stay in South Korea for the length of your group tour, and only between September 29, 2025, and June 30, 2026.
- 📋 Entry at any airport or seaport: You are not limited to Jeju Island; you can enter through any international gateway in South Korea.
Looking Ahead: Possible Extensions and Related Changes
The government will watch how the policy works and may extend it or make changes based on results. If the number of tourists grows and the economy benefits, the visa-free entry could last longer or become permanent.
South Korea also plans to make it easier for people attending big international conferences. Starting in 2026, the country will lower the number of foreign participants needed for fast-track immigration screening from 500 to 300. This will help business travelers and event organizers.
Resources for Travelers and Agencies
- Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism
- Korea Tourism Organization
- South Korean Embassy in China
- Chinese Embassy in South Korea
Expert Opinions and Industry Response
Tourism experts and business leaders are optimistic. They expect the visa-free entry for group tourists to bring more visitors and help the economy. As reported by VisaVerge.com, this policy is a key part of South Korea’s plan to recover from the pandemic and welcome the world back.
Takeaway for Travelers and Businesses
If you are a Chinese citizen interested in visiting South Korea, joining a group tour is now easier than ever. Travel agencies should prepare for more demand and make sure they follow all rules. Businesses in South Korea should get ready for more customers and new opportunities.
By opening its doors to group tourists from China, South Korea is taking a big step toward economic recovery and stronger international friendships. For the latest updates and detailed procedures, always check official government websites before planning your trip.
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