SEOUL, Sept 29 — In a strategic move aimed at boosting economic recovery and strengthening regional ties, South Korea has officially begun offering visa-free entry for Chinese tourist groups, marking a significant shift in its tourism and diplomatic policies.
Effective today, tourist groups from mainland China—comprising three or more individuals—can enter South Korea without a visa for stays up to 15 days. This visa-free initiative will run as a pilot program until June 2026, aligning with major holiday seasons in both countries: China’s National Day Golden Week (October 1–8) and South Korea’s own festive holidays during the same period.
Tourism-Led Growth Strategy
South Korea is keen to capitalize on the anticipated tourist surge. Major companies are already positioning themselves to benefit. Shilla Duty Free, one of Korea’s leading retail chains, has launched a special Chinese cruise tour with more than 2,700 passengers. Meanwhile, food delivery app Baedal Minjok is integrating popular Chinese payment platforms like Alipay and WeChat Pay to cater to the new influx of visitors.
The visa-free policy comes on the heels of China’s November 2023 decision to grant South Koreans visa-free stays for up to 30 days, signaling a warming of bilateral relations between the two Asian giants.
A Warm Welcome at Incheon
The symbolic start of this initiative was marked by the arrival of the 77,000-tonne cruise ship MS Dream, which docked in Incheon Port early this morning. The vessel carried 2,189 passengers and 563 crew members from Tianjin and is scheduled to return after a one-day stop, completing a five-day round trip.
Passengers were seen waving joyfully and taking photos as they disembarked, warmly welcomed by local residents. Incheon city pulled out all the stops—food trucks served authentic Korean cuisine, and a cultural welcome event was hosted at the central plaza, creating a festive and inviting atmosphere.
A Revival for Maritime Tourism
The Incheon Port Authority expressed optimism about the broader economic impact.
“The MS Dream’s arrival will serve as a catalyst for revitalising maritime tourism between South Korea and China,” said Lee Kyung-gyu, president of the Incheon Port Authority. “We will do our best to expand cruise routes and help revive the local economy.”
Beyond cruises, tourism and shipping industries are predicting higher demand for international car ferries and cross-border maritime services.
More Than Tourism: A Step Towards Trust
While the move is clearly economically motivated, it also sends a clear diplomatic signal. With President Xi Jinping expected to visit South Korea for the upcoming Asia-Pacific summit in late October, Seoul’s efforts signal an eagerness to rebuild trust and strengthen regional cooperation.
