South Korea will temporarily allow visa-free entry for Chinese tourist groups from September 29 to June 2026 to stimulate foreign tourism ahead of the APEC summit. The measure, first announced in March, follows China’s November decision to exempt South Koreans and other foreign visitors from visa requirements.
The policy, set to begin before China’s October holiday, aims to boost the domestic economy as foreign tourism recovers. The move also reflects optimism for improved South Korea-China relations under liberal President Lee Jae-myung’s new administration.
The APEC summit (October 31–November 1) will be held in Gyeongju, where leaders from 21 economies—including possibly Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Donald Trump—may hold separate talks.
In response, shares in South Korean department stores, casinos, hotels, and beauty firms surged on expectations of increased Chinese demand.
