Starting September 29, 2025, South Korea will allow Chinese tourist groups to enter the country without a visa through June 2026.
This policy is designed to boost tourism, strengthen economic ties, and bring a much-needed lift ahead of the APEC summit this fall.
A Move Timed to Make an Impact
South Korea announced the temporary visa waiver as part of a broader tourism recovery plan. The timing is no accident.
It aligns with China’s Golden Week holiday in early October and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Gyeongju, where leaders from two dozen countries, including China and the U.S., will converge.
This visa shift also builds on China’s earlier decision in late 2024 to extend visa-free access to South Koreans and other nationalities, promoting bilateral travel and tourism alike.
How the Policy Works
The visa freedom applies to Chinese visitors traveling in organized tour groups. Those groups must be arranged by approved Chinese travel agencies. Importantly, individual visitors and independent travelers are not included.
Previously, Chinese tourists could enter South Korea visa-free only via Jeju Island. Now, group tours can travel to any part of the country, making more destinations accessible.
What It Means for Tourism
Chinese travelers have long been South Korea’s largest foreign tourist source. In the first half of 2025, they made up the biggest share of arrivals, nearly 2.53 million visitors.
The Korea Tourism Organization expects total tourist numbers to climb past 20 million this year.
The Bank of Korea projects that adding one million Chinese group travelers could raise GDP growth by about 0.08 percentage points.
We’ve already seen similar economic benefits in past tourism rebounds.
Early reaction from businesses has been enthusiastic. Stocks in department stores, hotels, casinos, and beauty brands jumped after the announcement, with investors betting on increased Chinese spending.
Improving the Travel Experience
South Korea is also streamlining arrival processes. It plans to expand its fast-track immigration lanes to include smaller-scale conferences and events, making it easier for international visitors to enter quickly.
For Chinese tourists, that means smoother arrival, quicker access to destinations, and fewer hassles at the border.
Cultural and Economic Ripples
The visa-free access is not just a tourism boost but also a step toward stronger cultural ties. Visitors are expected to explore Seoul’s historic palaces, Gyeongju’s heritage sites, Jeju Island’s beaches, and more.
South Korea is tailoring tour packages that highlight its pop culture, K-beauty, cuisine, and shopping. These options are meant to appeal especially to women in their 20s and 30s, who have already been a key travel demographic.
Chinese travel agencies are responding quickly. They’re offering new group packages and even cruises linking Korean islands, aiming to draw both urban and rural Chinese tourists.
Risks and Challenges to Watch
There are still concerns. Infrastructure at popular sites may be strained if visitor numbers spike quickly. Crowding, transport bottlenecks, and uneven economic benefits could follow unless regional planning keeps pace.
Economic uncertainty and geopolitical dynamics also play a role. Sustaining the tourism boost depends on stable relations and continued demand.
Tapping Into Recovery and Growth
South Korea’s tourism is rebounding. After a collapse during the pandemic, inbound numbers jumped to over 11 million in 2023 and 16 million in 2024.
Chinese travelers have been a big part of that comeback, and this visa waiver is intended to accelerate recovery.
With the APEC summit approaching, South Korea is placing itself in the spotlight, not just as a host but as a destination open to more visitors, more business, and more cultural exchange.
