South Korea to offer visa-free entry to Chinese tourist groups

(ECNS) -- South Korea will introduce a temporary visa-free entry policy for Chinese tourist groups starting Sept. 29, local news agency Yonhap reported Wednesday. The policy will remain in effect until June 30, 2026.

The move aims to boost tourism exchanges following China's expansion of its visa-free transit policy in November 2024. That policy allows ordinary passport holders from 38 countries, including South Korea, to visit China for up to 30 days without a visa.

Relevant government agencies in Seoul are reportedly discussing reciprocal measures for Chinese tourist groups.

Details on eligibility and group size requirements for the South Korean visa-free policy have not yet been released.

(By Zhang Dongfang)