South Korea announced on Thursday that it will offer visa-free entry to Chinese tourists in the third quarter of 2024 to boost tourism and revive its sluggish domestic demand.
This move comes ahead of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, which South Korea will host in Gyeongju later this year.
Acting President Choi Sang-mok said, “We will introduce in the third quarter a temporary visa waiver for group tourists from China to speed up the recovery in the number of Chinese visitors.”
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Reciprocal Move Following China’s Visa Policy
The decision follows China’s announcement in November 2023 to extend visa-free entry to South Korean nationals, along with other Asian and European countries, for business, tourism, and family visits until the end of 2024. This reciprocal arrangement aims to strengthen bilateral ties and encourage cross-border travel.
How It Started
In 2023, South Korea welcomed 16.4 million tourists, a 48% increase from the previous year but still below the 17.5 million recorded in 2019 before the COVID-19 pandemic. Chinese tourists accounted for 28% of all visitors, with nearly a third being women in their 20s and 30s.
To further boost tourism, South Korea plans to leverage its global cultural influence, including K-pop music, fashion, and beauty products. The government will additionally introduce tailored tour packages focused on Korean cuisine and beauty to attract 18.5 million visitors in 2024.
The visa-free entry initiative also aligns with South Korea’s preparations to host the APEC summit in Gyeongju, a city renowned for its heritage tourism. The summit is expected to draw international attention and provide an opportunity to showcase South Korea’s cultural and economic strengths.
Economic Challenges and Tourism’s Role
South Korea’s economic growth is projected to slow in 2024, with weak consumer spending and political uncertainty affecting domestic demand. The brief imposition of martial law in December 2023 further impacted foreign tourism, making the visa-free policy a critical step toward economic recovery.
By attracting more Chinese tourists, South Korea aims to stimulate its tourism sector, which plays a vital role in the country’s economy.
