South Korea has unveiled a pilot visa-free entry program for Chinese tourist groups, effective September 29, to capitalize on the upcoming travel surge during China's National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holidays. The initiative targets China, South Korea's largest tourism market, as both countries seek to revitalize post-pandemic cultural and economic exchanges.
Boosting Tourism and Infrastructure
Yohan Park, managing vice president at Korean Air's China regional headquarters, told CGTN Digital that the policy will "boost visitor numbers in the short term and enhance the competitiveness of tourism infrastructure in the long run." He emphasized South Korea's readiness to showcase its hospitality and K-culture to Chinese travelers while encouraging reciprocal curiosity about China among Koreans.
Cultural and Economic Synergy
The move aligns with broader efforts to strengthen people-to-people ties across Asia. Analysts note that streamlined travel policies could benefit sectors ranging from retail to aviation, particularly as regional tourism rebounds. Park’s message to potential visitors: "China is close and surprisingly new. We hope you experience it by yourself."
