Published on
October 31, 2025
In 2025, a new era of strengthened tourism cooperation with China and South Korea arrives, and along with it, a new era of tourism and regional economic growth. This agreement for South Korean citizens and Chinese citizens to reciprocally travel visa-free for 15 days will undoubtedly increase tourism traffic between the countries. This initiative will ramp up economic growth due to the increase of tourist traffic, greater economic interactions, and the revitalization of the hospitality, retail, transport, and tourism industries. Furthermore, the new agreement will promote regional economic growth. South Korea and China will undoubtedly share more economic interactions, and improve their bilateral relations
A significant milestone in East Asia’s travel and tourism landscape has been achieved as China and South Korea introduce mutual visa-free travel policies, revitalising cross-border tourism and boosting their respective economies. The decision marks a turning point for both nations, setting the stage for enhanced cultural exchange, stronger economic cooperation, and a rebound in post-pandemic tourism.
Surge in Tourist Activity
During China’s eight-day National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holiday in early October, South Korea witnessed a remarkable influx of Chinese visitors. Shopping districts, cultural landmarks, and entertainment venues experienced a surge in footfall as thousands of Chinese group tourists explored South Korean cities such as Seoul, Busan, and Jeju. The temporary visa-free policy introduced by the South Korean government allowed Chinese groups of three or more to enter without visas between September 2024 and June 2026 for stays of up to 15 days.
This arrangement complements the pre-existing visa waiver for Jeju Island, which already permitted Chinese travellers to visit for up to 30 days. The policy’s implementation not only simplifies travel logistics but also strengthens the connection between both nations through easier access and increased travel frequency.
Economic Impact of Visa-Free Travel
Tourism has long been a vital economic contributor to both China and South Korea, and this policy shift is expected to accelerate recovery. The South Korean government has set a goal of attracting over five million Chinese tourists by the end of 2025, edging closer to the six million visitors recorded in 2019 before the pandemic disrupted global travel. Economists have noted that an increase of one million Chinese tourists could raise South Korea’s gross domestic product by nearly 0.1 percentage points, underlining tourism’s critical role in economic growth.
China’s response with a reciprocal policy for South Korean travellers further enhances this dynamic. From November 2024 to December 2025, South Korean nationals holding regular passports have been permitted visa-free entry into China for tourism, business, family visits, and transits for up to 15 days. This initiative represents a mutually beneficial arrangement aimed at balancing travel flows between the two markets.
Rising Popularity of Travel Between the Two Nations
Recent data from major travel platforms indicates a remarkable recovery in outbound and inbound travel between China and South Korea. Since the introduction of the reciprocal visa-free programme, travel bookings from South Korea to Chinese destinations such as Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, and Dalian have soared. Similarly, Chinese travellers have been increasingly drawn to South Korean cultural sites, including Gyeongbokgung Palace, the bustling streets of Myeong-dong, and natural attractions like Hallasan Mountain in Jeju Island.
The travel surge has also been fuelled by the alignment of major holidays. This year, South Korea’s Chuseok Festival coincided with China’s National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival, encouraging a mutual wave of holidaymakers. The overlapping celebrations created an ideal window for families and leisure travellers to explore new destinations within the region.
Tourism Revival and Regional Benefits
Industry analysts suggest that the visa-free policies will contribute to a broader regional revival in travel and tourism. Increased tourist flow is expected to benefit sectors such as aviation, hospitality, retail, and cultural entertainment. Airlines have already reported higher bookings on routes connecting Seoul, Beijing, and Shanghai, while hotels across both countries are experiencing higher occupancy rates driven by group tours and family travel packages.
In addition, travel agencies have expanded their offerings, introducing short-haul cultural and nature-focused itineraries to meet the growing demand. These include culinary experiences, traditional wellness tours, and heritage walks, all of which appeal to travellers seeking deeper cultural immersion.
Strengthening People-to-People Connections
Beyond economic impact, the visa-free arrangement underscores the importance of people-to-people connections. Tourism serves as a bridge for cultural understanding, and the ease of travel is expected to encourage citizens from both countries to experience each other’s traditions, festivals, and everyday lifestyles.
The rise in senior travellers from South Korea visiting Chinese destinations such as Zhangjiajie, Guilin, and Xi’an reflects a growing trend of experiential travel among older demographics. Likewise, young Chinese tourists are showing increasing interest in South Korea’s contemporary culture, from K-pop to Korean cuisine, demonstrating how soft power and pop culture can drive cross-border engagement.
Looking Ahead
As the tourism cooperation between China and South Korea deepens, both nations are poised for a win-win outcome that extends beyond visitor numbers. The initiative aligns with Asia’s broader tourism recovery, where simplified entry requirements and improved transport connectivity play vital roles.
Government bodies in both countries are expected to monitor and adapt the policies to ensure sustainable tourism growth. Investment in smart travel infrastructure, multilingual visitor services, and environmentally conscious tourism practices is likely to follow, further enhancing the visitor experience.
In 2025, the easing of travel restrictions on China and South Korea for visa-free travel will boost China and South Korea tourism and economic growth. It will encourage cultural exchange which will energise key industries. Travel restrictions being eased impacts economic growth and increases bilateral relations, impacting the economy of both countries.
In the South Korea and China border easing restrictions there will be cultural exchange for economic and tourism growth. South Korea and China will be more diplomatically and economically eased in growth, impacting East Asia positively.
