South Korea has expanded its tourism door to Chinese travellers, with a new visa-entry rule granting significantly easier travel for residents from 14 Chinese cities.
Starting 30 March, 10-year multiple-entry visa means that Chinese travellers from select cities need only apply once, to travel freely within South Korea within this time frame.
The 14 Chinese cities are: Beijing, Changsha, Chongqing, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Nanjing, Ningbo, Qingdao, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Suzhou, Tianjin, Wuhan and Xiamen.
Prior to this newest update, travellers from these cities were eligible for multiple-entry visas valid across a five-year period, applicable for tourism, business and family visits.
In 2025, 5.48 million Chinese travellers visited South Korea, representing a 19.5% year-on-year increase. Over the Lunar New Year period this year, daily arrivals grew by as much as 30%.
Hangzhou and Ningbo count among the top source markets for South Korea.
In addition, South Korea has allowed Chinese group tourists to enter without visas since October 2025. This temporary policy is expected to run until 30 June 2026.
The South Korean government hopes these moves will push China–South Korea arrivals towards the “tens of millions” bracket, with a focus on high-spending, frequent-flying independent travellers.
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