Starting September 29, 2025, South Korea will roll out a visa-free entry program for Chinese tour groups, running until June 2026. The announcement, made on August 6, is part of the government’s effort to attract more visitors and strengthen the tourism sector ahead of a major regional event later this year.

The initiative was first hinted at back in March, shortly after China granted visa exemptions to South Korean travelers and citizens from other countries. By launching just before China’s Golden Week holiday in early October, the program is expected to give South Korea’s recovering travel industry a timely boost.

The new measure also reflects growing optimism about improving relations between Seoul and Beijing under South Korea’s recently elected liberal president, Lee Jae-myung. According to the Ministry of Tourism, the policy was finalized during a high-level meeting focused on revitalizing the travel sector and enhancing South Korea’s appeal to global travelers.

Adding to the momentum, South Korea is preparing to host the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders’ Summit from October 31 to November 1 in Gyeongju. The summit will bring together leaders from 21 economies, with speculation about possible high-profile side meetings, including a potential discussion between Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Donald Trump.

For travelers, this visa-free access signals an exciting opportunity for more seamless trips between China and South Korea, further strengthening the region’s tourism and cultural exchange.