South Korea has announced the extension of its visa fee waiver program for group tourists from six countries, including China and India, until the end of 2026. This initiative aims to bolster tourism and enhance cultural exchanges, reflecting the country’s commitment to rejuvenating its tourism industry amid rising visitor numbers from China and Southeast Asia.
The extended waiver applies to group travelers from China, Vietnam, the Philippines, Indonesia, India, and Cambodia. According to South Korea’s Ministry of Justice, this policy is part of broader efforts to support the tourism sector’s recovery. The ministry noted that as travel from these regions continues to grow, such measures are crucial for sustaining momentum in the tourism industry.
In addition to the visa fee waiver, South Korea has rolled out expanded marketing campaigns and introduced long-term multiple-entry visas for eligible travelers. These strategies target international visitors, aiming to increase group travel and strengthen economic and cultural ties with neighboring countries. Tourism officials are optimistic that these efforts will result in a significant uptick in visitor numbers.
China stands as South Korea’s largest source of inbound tourists, and industry experts anticipate that the extended visa fee waiver will further boost these numbers. This influx of tourists is expected to benefit various sectors, including retail, hospitality, restaurants, and duty-free shopping. The growing tourism exchange between the two nations is also seen as a positive step toward broader economic and bilateral cooperation.