Chinese tour groups to South Korea are set to benefit from visa exemption starting in the third quarter of this year.
The nation’s authorities announced the plan, aimed at boosting tourism numbers from China, which have failed to quickly recover after COVID.
The move is expected to boost spending by drawing in larger tourist numbers, helping push retail, hospitality, F&B and duty-free sectors.
However, it has been defined as a “temporary visa waiver” for the Chinese tour groups.
Before the full implementation, a trial period is expected, via certain travel agencies, allowing for a better picture ahead of the 3Q25 run.
South Korean casinos are open to foreigners, with only one property – Kangwon Land – being open to local punters.
According to data from the Korea Tourism Organization, Chinese tourists totaled 4.6 million in 2024, about 28 percent – the largest group of foreign visitors to the country.
Late last year, Chinese authorities opted to extend visa-free entry for South Korean tourism and business travelers.
