South Korea introduced a trial visa-free entry program for groups of travelers from the Chinese mainland on September 29. Running through June 30, 2026, it lets groups of three or more visit visa-free for up to 15 days on the mainland.
Jeju Province continues its special arrangement, allowing both individual and group visitors from the Chinese mainland to stay visa-free for up to 30 days. With its volcanic peaks, coastal trails and laid-back cafes, Jeju remains a hotspot for eco-travelers and digital nomads.
Numbers reveal why this matters. In 2024, South Korea welcomed 16.37 million international visitors. A record 4.6 million – 28.1% of the total – came from the Chinese mainland, according to the Korea Tourism Organization.
Beyond tourism vibes, Seoul views the trial as an economic lever. Officials estimate every extra million group travelers from the Chinese mainland could lift South Korea’s GDP by 0.08 percentage points. Retailers, hotels and startup tours stand to benefit, reinforcing the country’s position as a G20 innovation hub.
For young global citizens, this is more than a visa update. It’s an invitation to dive into K-wave culture in Seoul’s indie districts, network with entrepreneurs in Busan’s emerging tech scene or trek Jeju’s Hallasan National Park in pursuit of sustainable travel adventures.
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South Korea starts trial visa-free entry for Chinese group tourists
cgtn.com
