Hey travel buffs! 📢 Starting Monday, the Republic of Korea (ROK) is rolling out a nine-month visa-free policy for Chinese tour groups. This exciting move comes right after China launched a visa exemption for South Korean visitors last November.
Why the big push? South Korea's economic growth has slowed due to global headwinds and local challenges. With tourism as a key driver for jobs and spending, welcoming more Chinese visitors can be a game changer.
Before COVID-19, Chinese visitors made up almost half of all arrivals in the ROK—peaking at 8 million in 2016. Numbers dipped after the THAAD missile system deployment and the pandemic, but they're bouncing back: 2 million in 2023 and already 4.6 million in 2024.
There's still a gap to hit pre-pandemic highs, and the timing—just before China’s National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival—shows Seoul's aim to tap into travel plans and spending sprees. Within an hour of the announcement, flight searches to Seoul jumped by nearly 70% on major Chinese booking platforms.
Chinese tourists pack serious spending power—Bank of Korea data shows they spent an average of $1,689 per person in 2019, outpacing American and Japanese travelers. Duty-free shops, hotels, airlines, and retailers are all gearing up for the influx.
On a deeper level, this visa shift reflects a broader strategy: diversify the economy, reduce risks from overreliance on exports, and boost domestic consumption. The Chinese market, with its huge travel potential, is the perfect target.
So, are you ready to pack your bags? Whether you're in Seoul for K-pop vibes, street food hunts, or IG-worthy spots, things are about to get even more exciting! 🎉✈️
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
