South Korea has officially launched a temporary visa-free entry program for Chinese tour groups, as part of efforts to boost tourism and strengthen ties with its largest trading partner.
The program took effect on September 29, 2025, following an earlier announcement in August by the South Korean government. Under the new rules, Chinese tour groups consisting of three or more people can enter South Korea without a visa and stay for up to 15 days.
The policy will remain in place through June 30, 2026. Eligible travelers must be part of a group organized by a travel agency approved by the South Korean government.
In addition to the group entry program, Jeju Island will continue its existing visa-free policy and will allow both individual and group travelers from China to stay for up to 30 days without a visa.
The move is widely seen as a strategic decision to revive the country’s tourism sector, which has faced slow recovery in recent years. It also comes at a time of renewed efforts to improve diplomatic and economic relations between Seoul and Beijing.
On the day the policy began, the Dream cruise ship operated by Tianjin Orient International Cruise Co. arrived at Incheon Port with a group of Chinese tourists. Incheon city officials welcomed the visitors with a cultural event at 1883 Port Plaza.
In response to the visa changes, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said in August that both nations are important neighbors and that increasing people-to-people exchanges serves their mutual interests.
China has also eased its own entry rules for South Koreans. From November 8, 2024, to December 31, 2025, South Korean nationals are permitted to visit China visa-free for tourism, business, family visits, or transit.
South Korean officials project that the new policy, combined with the upcoming Mid-Autumn Festival and a potential visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping during the APEC summit in October, could result in more than 1 million additional Chinese tourists visiting South Korea in the first half of next year.
