South Korea has begun allowing Chinese group travelers to enter the country without visas for the first time, marking a significant shift in its tourism policy.
Previously, visa-free entry for Chinese visitors was limited to individual travelers or restricted regions like Jeju Island due to administrative challenges and the need to manage large tour groups safely.
The new policy, effective September 29, is intended to stimulate the country’s retail and tourism sectors. Hundreds of Chinese tourists arriving from Tianjin on the cruise ship Dream visited major shopping districts in Seoul, including duty-free stores and popular retail chains. Staff greeted visitors with welcome signs and ceremonies, highlighting South Korea’s hospitality.
Retailers reported increased demand for skincare, cosmetics, snacks, and other products favored by Chinese tourists. Many stores added Chinese-language signage, guides, and mobile payment options such as Alipay and WeChat Pay. Convenience stores and global retail chains, including CJ Olive Young and Daiso, adjusted inventories to match tourist preferences.
Casinos and resorts also prepared to accommodate the influx. Paradise City introduced menus tailored for Chinese guests and expanded interpreter services, while Inspire Resort rolled out a WeChat Mini Program for easier access to resort amenities. Grand Korea Leisure added Chinese-language instructions at casino locations. Jeju Island, which already allowed 30-day visa-free entry, expects further growth in tourism as the new policy now extends to Seoul.
Authorities emphasized that the immigration system is fully operational, independent of other government IT infrastructure, ensuring smooth entry despite recent concerns about a national data center fire.
Officials estimate that roughly 1 million additional Chinese tourists will visit South Korea by June 2026, up from 602,000 in July 2025. Tourism is expected to peak during major events, such as the APEC summit in Gyeongju and China’s National Day holiday, underscoring the growing influence of Chinese visitors on South Korea’s economy.
