On November 1, Chinese authorities announced an expansion of the nation’s visa-free list, granting a 15-day visa waiver to visitors from nine countries: Slovakia, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Iceland, Andorra, Monaco, Liechtenstein, and notably, South Korea. The move has drawn significant attention within the industry.
South Korean tourists already represent a substantial portion of China’s inbound tourism.
According to aviation data platform Flight Master, the volume of flights between China and South Korea in the third quarter of 2024 has recovered to nearly 90% of pre-epidemic levels.
In the second quarter, South Korea ranked third as a top inbound source market for Chinese tour operators, making up 11% of visitors. Excluding visitors from Greater China regions like Hong Kong and Taiwan, South Korea stands as the top source country for foreign tourists to China.
South Korean interest in visiting China remains strong, with Zhangjiajie being a top choice alongside Changbai Mountain and Chengdu.
Industry experts highlight key growth areas, including business, family visits, and study tours. They note that the cultural similarities and competitive airfare between the two countries, along with additional flights and promotional efforts, could further boost South Korean tourism to China.
