South Korea will grant visa-free entry to Chinese visitors in the third quarter to stimulate tourism, following China’s similar policy. This effort is timed with the APEC summit to be held later in the year. Despite a rise in visitors, the economy faces slow growth due to political challenges.

South Korea intends to implement a visa exemption for Chinese visitors in the third quarter of the year to enhance tourism amid weakened domestic demand and in anticipation of an upcoming Asia-Pacific summit. This decision follows China’s extension of visa-free entry for South Korean nationals and select other countries, effective until the year’s end.

Choi Sang-mok, the acting president of South Korea, announced, “We will introduce in the third quarter a temporary visa waiver for group tourists from China to speed up the recovery in the number of Chinese visitors.” This initiative is part of the country’s strategy, as it is poised to host the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Gyeongju later this year.

In the previous year, South Korea welcomed 16.4 million travelers, reflecting a 48% increase compared to the year prior, though still below the pre-pandemic figure of 17.5 million in 2019. Chinese nationals constituted the largest demographic, making up 28% of total visitors, with a significant portion being women in their twenties and thirties.

To capitalize on its globally recognized popular culture, from K-pop to fashion, South Korea aims to promote tailored experiences and offerings to entice visitors, including specialized tour packages centered on Korean cuisine and beauty products. The government’s goal is to attract 18.5 million tourists this year.

Additionally, South Korea’s economy is expected to experience a slowdown, with consumer spending being dampened by the political instability following an unexpected imposition of martial law last December, which adversely impacted foreign tourism.

In summary, South Korea’s introduction of a visa exemption for Chinese tourists in the third quarter signifies an effort to rejuvenate its tourism sector. This initiative follows China’s similar measures and aligns with the upcoming APEC summit. The country’s strategy includes tailored tourism packages, aimed at boosting visitor numbers and leveraging its cultural standing, despite anticipated economic challenges.

Original Source: www.usnews.com

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