South Korea just kicked off a trial program letting groups of 3 or more Chinese travelers enjoy visa-free stays of up to 15 days, running from September 29 until June 30, 2026. 🛂✨
Why it matters: Chinese visitors are key to South Korea's tourism scene—4.6 million (28.1%) of the 16.37 million international visitors in 2024 came from China, the largest share. 📊
Jeju perk: Travelers from China—solo or in groups—still get 30-day visa-free entry on the island. 🌴🏖️
Economic boost: Every extra 1 million Chinese group tourists could lift South Korea's GDP by 0.08%. Beyond K-pop and street food, tourism is a strategic growth engine! 🚀💼
Travel tips: Gather your squad of 3+, prep your passports, group itinerary, and hotel bookings, and you're good to go. It's that simple! 📱🧳
From Seoul's neon-lit streets to Jeju's volcanic landscapes, this is your chance for epic #wanderlust moments. Get ready for food adventures, cultural finds, and Insta-worthy vibes. 📸🍜
Stay tuned for updates and start planning your next group getaway! 🙌
Reference(s):
South Korea starts trial visa-free entry for Chinese group tourists
cgtn.com