SEOUL, Sept 29 – In a major push to revive its tourism industry and strengthen regional ties, South Korea officially launched a visa-free entry program today for tourist groups from mainland China. The initiative, which took effect just days before China’s National Day holidays (October 1–8), aims to re-energize the economy and improve people-to-people connections between the two nations.
Under this pilot program, which will run until June 2026, groups of three or more tourists from China can now stay in South Korea for up to 15 days without needing a visa.
The timing couldn’t be more strategic. With overlapping national holidays in both countries, tourism operators are ready to roll. Shilla Duty Free has already coordinated a major Chinese cruise tour carrying more than 2,700 passengers, while food delivery giant Baedal Minjok has adapted to Chinese consumers by enabling payments via Alipay and WeChat Pay.
This visa-free arrangement follows China’s reciprocal move last November, allowing South Korean travelers a 30-day visa-free stay. The two nations appear to be slowly rebuilding trust and economic cooperation following recent tensions.
Today, the 77,000-tonne cruise ship MS Dream, which departed Tianjin, docked at Incheon Port, just 30 kilometers west of Seoul. The ship carried 2,189 passengers and 563 crew members, wrapping up a vibrant five-day journey. Passengers joyfully waved, took selfies, and were greeted by smiling locals.
Incheon authorities pulled out all the stops. Food trucks served classic Korean street dishes. A warm welcoming ceremony was held downtown to celebrate this renewed cultural exchange. The port authority is hopeful that this move will revitalize cruise tourism and stimulate economic activity in the region.
“The MS Dream’s arrival will serve as a catalyst for revitalising maritime tourism between South Korea and China,” said Lee Kyung-gyu, president of the Incheon Port Authority. “We will do our best to expand cruise routes and help revive the local economy.”
But beyond the numbers, this is about people – travelers exploring new cultures, businesses reopening doors, and neighbors saying “welcome back.” It’s about reconnecting in a world that desperately needs unity and understanding. It’s more than a visa policy — it’s a human invitation to experience, share, and grow together.
