According to a report by Yonhap News on Sept. 7, the South Korean government will implement a trial visa-free entry policy for Chinese group tourists (three or more people) starting from Sept. 29, with a stay limit of 15 days.
The report stated that the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Office for Government Policy Coordination jointly announced the trial visa-free policy for Chinese group tourists on Sept. 7.
According to the plan, from Sept. 29 of this year to June 30 of next year, Chinese group tourists who register for a visit to S. Korea through government-designated travel agencies will be eligible for visa-free entry for up to 15 days, provided they enter and exit on the same flight or vessel.
The report mentioned that the Ministry of Justice and relevant departments will inform travel agencies of the related guidelines from Sept. 8 to Sept. 19, and the special registration process for travel agencies will begin on Sept. 15. The S. Korean government anticipates that this limited-time visa-free policy will help boost the tourism industry and local economy, as well as enhance friendship between the two countries. It also noted that Chinese group tourists and independent travelers visiting Jeju will continue to enjoy visa-free stays of up to 30 days.
On Aug. 6, S. Korean Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum stated that from Sept. 29 of this year to June 30 of next year, the S. Korean government will implement a temporary visa-free entry policy for Chinese group tourists. In response, Chinese Ambassador to S. Korea Dai Bing welcomed the move, stating that regular exchanges between the peoples of the two countries help enhance understanding and deepen friendship.
Last November, China began implementing a unilateral visa-free entry policy for S. Korea.
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