China’s unprecedented decision to include South Korea in its visa-free policy could redirect the travel patterns of young Korean tourists. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
SEOUL, Nov. 5 (Korea Bizwire) – China’s unprecedented decision to include South Korea in its visa-free policy could redirect the travel patterns of young Korean tourists, who have recently favored Japan as their primary destination in Asia.
According to aviation industry sources on November 4, China will implement a visa waiver program for nine countries, including South Korea, from November 8 through the end of next year.
This marks the first time China has included South Korea in such an initiative. The policy will allow holders of ordinary passports to stay in China for up to 15 days without a visa for business, tourism, family visits, or transit purposes.
Previously, travelers to China faced visa processing times of up to seven days and varying costs depending on the type of visa – standard, express, or ultra-express. The cumbersome visa application process, which required in-person visits to visa centers, had made China a less appealing destination for young travelers who prioritize convenience and flexibility.
Industry experts anticipate a surge in Chinese tourism, which had declined sharply due to the THAAD dispute and COVID-19 pandemic.
Government data shows that air passenger traffic between South Korea and China from January to September reached 10.3 million, only 75.1% of 2019′s pre-pandemic level of 13.72 million – significantly lower than the overall international flight recovery rate of 95.9%.
“The visa waiver could open a new market alongside Japan and Southeast Asia, potentially stimulating travel demand among those in their 20s and 30s who prefer independent travel,” said an airline industry representative. Historically, Chinese tourism has primarily attracted older Koreans traveling on family tours.
Airlines are already expanding their Chinese routes in anticipation of increased demand. Korean Air will launch three weekly flights from Incheon to Fuzhou starting December 28 and resume daily Busan-Qingdao flights on December 1 after a four-year hiatus.
The airline has also increased frequencies on its Incheon-Xiamen route and resumed Incheon-Mudanjiang flights.
Asiana Airlines has also expanded its services, raising Incheon-Beijing flights from 14 to 20 per week and increasing Incheon-Shanghai flights from three to four daily since October 14.
“The visa-free policy is great news for budget-conscious travelers like me,” said an office worker in their early 30s. “I’ve been hesitant about visiting China due to visa requirements, but now I’m planning to travel independently to Kunming.”
Chinese routes are considered particularly profitable for airlines, offering similar flight distances to Japanese routes but with higher ticket prices compared to other short-haul destinations.
M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
