South Korea will grant visa-free entry to Chinese tourist groups from 29 September until June 2026, in a move expected to boost the country’s tourism and gaming sectors, according to multiple media outlets.
The temporary policy is being described as a reciprocal gesture following China’s earlier decision to offer visa-free entry to South Korean passport holders. First announced in March, its launch has been timed to coincide with China’s National Day holiday in early October – spelling possible competition for Macao in the scramble for punters.
Shares of South Korean department stores, casinos, hotels and beauty companies rose on Wednesday following the policy announcement, with investors apparently betting on renewed Chinese demand.
[See more: Why do South Koreans love visiting Macao?]
South Korea’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism said the initiative was aimed at stimulating inbound tourism, which reportedly stagnated at 93.5 percent of pre-pandemic levels in 2024. Last year’s tourism revenue only rebounded to 80 percent of what it was in 2019.
Chinese tourists, particularly those travelling in groups, are known to be big spenders and enthusiastic gamblers – even though gambling abroad is a violation of Chinese laws. South Korea’s casinos are mainly foreigner-only.
The visa-free policy will also be up and running in time for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit being held in South Korea’s southeastern city of Gyeongju come October. President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump may each hold separate talks at the event, according to reports.
