South Korea is turning up the travel vibes! In an exciting new move, the country announced a temporary visa waiver for Chinese group visitors starting in the third quarter. This initiative aims to boost tourism amid sluggish domestic demand and set the stage ahead of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders’ Meeting in Gyeongju, a city famed for its rich cultural heritage. ✈️
Choi Sang-mok, the acting president, explained that this visa-free policy is designed to simplify travel for group tourists. The new measure is expected to attract families, elderly travelers, and even spark interest from third- and fourth-tier cities in China. Recent data from Ctrip reveals a 20% year-on-year jump in travel bookings by Chinese mainland tourists, signaling robust interest and a bright future for cross-border travel.
At a daily press briefing in Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning emphasized that strengthening cultural exchanges between the two neighbors benefits both sides. As South Korea rolls out this streamlined visa process, it not only aims to revive its tourism industry but also deepen people-to-people connections. Get ready to pack your bags and experience a smoother journey across borders! 🌏
Reference(s):
South Korea to offer visa-free entry to Chinese group tourists
cgtn.com
