On September 29, the South Korean government began a trial visa-free entry policy for Chinese group tourists, coinciding with China’s National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holidays, known collectively as “Golden Week.” The timing was deliberate and symbolic, aiming to tap into one of the busiest travel periods for Chinese citizens while simultaneously signaling Seoul’s desire to strengthen ties with its largest source of inbound tourists. The move has sparked widespread debate in both countries, with many viewing it as an important step toward revitalizing South Korea’s sluggish economy while also reinforcing fragile diplomatic progress between Seoul and Beijing.

South Korea’s economy has faced increasing headwinds over the past two years, battered by the global downturn, domestic structural issues, and sluggish exports. In this context, tourism is being treated as a potential lifeline for growth. The revival of inbound tourism is especially critical because it not only boosts domestic demand but also generates jobs across multiple sectors, from airlines and hotels to retail and entertainment.

Chinese tourists remain the linchpin of this strategy. In the first half of 2025 alone, they accounted for 28.6 percent of all foreign visitors to South Korea—far ahead of other nationalities. According to figures from the Bank of Korea, in 2019, the average Chinese tourist spent nearly $1,700 per trip, almost double the amount spent by U.S. and Japanese tourists. The spending habits of Chinese travelers, who often purchase luxury goods, cosmetics, and cultural experiences, make them indispensable for South Korea’s tourism and retail industries.

South Korean companies, from department stores to transport operators, have been quick to seize this opportunity. Major shopping districts in Seoul, such as Myeongdong and Gangnam, have rolled out........

© Blitz