South Korean Tourists Choosing China for Their Holidays
South Korean Tourists Choosing China for Their Holidays with Direct Flights to Beijing, Chengdu, and Xi’an and this is the reason.
China’s expansion of its visa-free entry policy has led to a significant surge in inbound tourism, particularly during the Chinese New Year holiday in 2025. In 2024, 20.12 million inbound foreign trips were made visa-free, marking an 112.3 percent year-on-year increase.
This surge has reaffirmed China’s position as a top global destination, with more international travelers, particularly those from Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) partner countries, choosing to explore China’s modern cities, rich cultural heritage, and dynamic tourism offerings.
The visa-free policy has benefited international airlines and air connectivity, as travelers take advantage of streamlined entry procedures.
Spring Airlines saw a 60% increase in ticket sales for China-South Korea routes in December 2024 after China granted unilateral visa-free entry to ordinary passport holders from South Korea.
The policy has also boosted China-South Korea air travel, with South Korean passengers accounting for up to 80 percent of daily travelers on Shanghai Pudong International Airport to Busan flights.
To enhance the foreign visitor experience, China has outlined a strategy to sustain long-term growth by refining and implementing 15 targeted measures aimed at improving tourist accessibility and experience.
Jingdezhen, famous for its centuries-old ceramic arts, is rolling out multilingual guides, airport shuttle services, and expanded short-term ceramic workshops.
China’s visa-free policy is not just a domestic success; it is reshaping global travel patterns, with tourists from Asia, Europe, and North America increasingly viewing China as a must-visit destination for cultural tourism, business travel, and cross-border experiences.
As China strengthens its bilateral tourism ties, more countries are likely to seek reciprocal visa agreements, which could further enhance international mobility and tourism exchanges.
Compiled by
World Travel News, Gorilla Trekking Uganda and Gorilla Trekking Rwanda
