South Korea Grants Visa-Free Entry from Sept

In a significant step to boost tourism and strengthen diplomatic ties, South Korea will grant visa-free entry to group tourists from China starting September 29, 2025, continuing until June 30, 2026.

The decision, announced by the Ministry of Justice, is aimed at reviving visitor numbers ahead of the APEC summit in Gyeongju on October 31–November 1 and capitalising on China’s “Golden Week” holiday period in early October. The move follows Beijing’s recent expansion of visa-free entry for South Korean citizens, signalling a positive shift in bilateral relations under President Lee Jae-Myung’s administration.

Tourism and retail sectors are expected to benefit significantly, with early market gains seen in shares of department stores, hotels, casinos, and cosmetics companies. Duty-free retailers and hospitality providers are already preparing tailored promotions to welcome the influx of Chinese visitors.

Officials hope the nine-month waiver will not only deliver an immediate economic boost but also encourage long-term cultural and people-to-people exchanges between the two nations. The Ministry has confirmed that the policy applies exclusively to organised group tours and will be reviewed before its scheduled conclusion in June 2026.

Industry experts say the measure positions South Korea as a competitive destination in the region, appealing to one of the world’s largest outbound travel markets at a strategically important time.