The long-awaited revival of travel between China and South Korea is set to surge as both countries officially reopen a powerful tourism corridor starting September 29, allowing visa-free entry for group tourists. This move marks a major policy shift aimed at reigniting bilateral tourism demand, which had sharply declined due to geopolitical tensions and the pandemic. By easing entry restrictions and facilitating smoother group travel, both nations are banking on a fresh wave of mutual economic and cultural exchange, positioning this renewed corridor as a cornerstone for regional tourism recovery and growth.
South Korea is preparing to welcome back Chinese tourists through a temporary visa-free policy aimed at increasing visitor numbers and stimulating local economies. This initiative, set to begin on September 29 and run through June 30 next year, targets group tours from China and comes as part of a broader government strategy to accelerate the country’s tourism recovery.
Under the new policy, Chinese nationals traveling in organized tour groups will be allowed to enter South Korea without a visa. The move is widely viewed as a reciprocal gesture after China waived visa requirements for South Korean travelers last year. Since that decision, both countries have held intergovernmental discussions to restore two-way travel flows, and the latest measure marks a significant step in reopening tourism channels between the two nations.
The decision arrives at a crucial moment for South Korea’s tourism industry, which has shown strong signs of recovery in recent months. Officials believe that by easing travel restrictions for Chinese visitors—traditionally the largest source of inbound tourists—South Korea can generate a fresh wave of demand for travel, accommodation, retail, and cultural experiences across the country. The goal is not only to fill hotels and tourist spots in major cities but also to breathe new life into smaller towns and regional areas that rely heavily on tourism income.
As domestic tourism gains momentum, authorities see this visa-free policy as a timely boost to international arrivals. The influx of Chinese group travelers is expected to deliver significant benefits, from increased spending at local businesses to job creation in the travel and hospitality sectors. With regional economies still recovering from pandemic-era downturns, the measure is positioned as both a tourism revival tool and a broader economic stimulus.
In addition to the visa policy, South Korea is introducing new conveniences for international visitors attending global conferences and events. A pilot “fast track” immigration lane is being rolled out to speed up entry procedures for foreign attendees. Previously, only large-scale events with over 500 overseas participants qualified for the expedited service. Now, that threshold is being lowered to 300, making it more accessible to mid-sized gatherings and enabling a smoother experience for visiting professionals, delegates, and business travelers.
This adjustment reflects the government’s focus on positioning South Korea as a leading destination for international events. Simplifying immigration procedures helps enhance the country’s reputation as a business-friendly, efficient, and welcoming place for global conferences, exhibitions, and forums.
At the same time, efforts to grow the medical tourism sector are receiving fresh institutional support. South Korea has long been recognized for its high-quality healthcare services, and authorities now aim to promote this strength by rewarding institutions that attract international patients. New criteria for recognizing “outstanding” medical tourism providers will include the number of foreign patients served, in addition to the existing standards related to service quality, facilities, and patient satisfaction.
Facilities that meet these benchmarks will be eligible for government-backed benefits such as promotional support, funding access, and formal recognition. The strategy aims to create a competitive environment that encourages hospitals and clinics to tailor their services to international needs while showcasing South Korea’s advanced medical infrastructure.
The combination of visa reforms, immigration improvements, and expanded support for health-related tourism highlights a comprehensive push to reposition South Korea on the global tourism map. Rather than relying solely on sightseeing, the new approach aims to broaden the country’s appeal across multiple sectors—leisure, business, and wellness—offering a more integrated and high-value travel experience for different types of visitors.
This multifaceted tourism push also reflects growing confidence in the post-pandemic recovery. Visitor numbers have been steadily climbing since borders reopened, and the government now wants to build on that momentum by introducing measures that remove friction from the travel process. By opening doors to Chinese group travelers and offering faster entry for business visitors, the country is actively reducing barriers and creating incentives for people to choose South Korea over other destinations in the region.
Officials anticipate that the surge in inbound traffic will spill over into a wide range of industries. Tour operators, hotels, restaurants, transport services, cultural attractions, and retail outlets all stand to benefit from increased footfall. Importantly, many of these gains are expected to be felt outside the capital, helping revitalize local tourism economies and offering new opportunities to communities that have struggled with reduced international traffic in recent years.
As the travel landscape continues to evolve, South Korea’s latest policy package sends a clear message: the country is open, welcoming, and ready to compete for global travelers. By aligning its tourism policies with current trends and reciprocal diplomacy, it is not only rebuilding its visitor base but also laying the groundwork for more sustainable and diversified tourism growth in the years ahead.
China and South Korea will reopen their travel corridor on September 29 with visa-free entry for group tourists, aiming to revive tourism demand and strengthen bilateral ties after years of disruption.
Whether it’s tourists eager to explore its cultural heritage, professionals attending world-class business events, or patients seeking advanced medical care, South Korea is positioning itself as a destination that delivers on all fronts—with fewer entry hurdles and a growing set of reasons to visit.
