To encourage foreign tourism ahead of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), South Korea will temporarily offer visa-free entry for Chinese tourist groups from 29 September 2025 to June 2026, the government announced on 6 August.
Prime Minister Kim Myeon-sook unveiled the initiative during a tourism-focused policy meeting. The government hopes this plan will boost travel from China, which will stimulate the local economy and increase domestic spending.
This policy reciprocates China’s November 2024 decision to grant visa exemptions to South Korean citizens and other foreign tourists. The move saw an increase in travel between the two nations, given their geographical and cultural relations. Both governments believe that frequent visits and exchanges will foster mutual understanding and bilateral relations.
The visa waiver aligns with South Korea’s preparations to host the APEC summit in Gyeongju from October 31 to November 1, where leaders from 21 economies will convene and hold discussions. During this summit, there is a possibility that Chinese leader Xi Jinping and U.S. President Donald Trump will hold separate talks.
“South Korea’s decision to waive visas for Chinese tour groups is welcome news for Chinese travellers planning to visit the country,” wrote Chinese Ambassador to South Korea Dai Bing on social media.
The policy implementation also coincides with China’s National Day holidays (1–7 October 2025), a peak travel period, and is expected to make South Korea a more attractive destination, particularly during popular travel times such as holidays and school breaks. Removing the visa application requirement eliminates a major obstacle for international travellers by simplifying entry procedures, reducing costs, and allowing tourists to plan trips more spontaneously.
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Besides the visa-free policy, South Korea is also working to boost the overall visitor experience by streamlining immigration procedures. The government is currently testing a fast-track immigration process that is set to become a permanent feature by the end of 2025. The goal of this initiative is to make arriving at the airport easier and faster for tourists by cutting down on waiting times.
In the future, the country also plans to invest in tourism architecture, diversify its activities available for foreign visitors, and improve its international image. Moreover, the authorities are also investing in less-known destinations such as Jeolla, Gangwon Province, and the islands of Jeju, which offer unique cultural and natural experiences but are highly undiscovered by foreign tourists.