Government Welcomes 'China's Visa-Free Policy'... "Expecting Promotion of Friendly Sentiment"

Starting from August 8, Korean Visa-Free Policy Implemented

The Chinese government’s implementation of a 'visa-free policy' for Koreans has been welcomed by our government.

China will add nine countries, including South Korea, to its visa-free pilot program starting from the 8th. Accordingly, holders of ordinary passports from these nine countries, including South Korea, will not need to obtain a visa for visits to China within 15 days for business, travel and tourism, visiting relatives or friends, or transit purposes. The photo shows a travel agency in downtown Seoul on the afternoon of the 3rd. Photo by Yonhap News.

Lee Jae-ung, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated at a regular briefing on the 5th, "As it becomes more convenient for our citizens to visit China, we believe this will positively contribute to revitalizing human exchanges between the two countries," adding, "We also expect it to make an important contribution to enhancing mutual understanding and promoting friendly relations between Korea and China."

Earlier, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced a 'unilateral visa-free policy' on its website on the 1st. From the 8th of this month until December 31 of next year, a temporary short-term visa exemption will be applied to holders of ordinary passports from nine countries, including Korea. This is the first time China has included Korea in its visa-free list.

Accordingly, holders of ordinary Korean passports will not need to obtain a visa when visiting China for business, travel and tourism, visiting relatives or friends, or transit purposes for up to 15 days.