South Korea launches easier visa-free travel for tourists

Hongkongers can apply for an electronic travel authorization to South Korea from June 30 as the country is set to allow visa-free entry from next Friday following its quarantine-free policy, its consulate said yesterday.

The Korean government had suspended the visa-free and visa-waiver programs for foreign visitors of 90 countries since April 2020 due to Covid.

But last month, it announced it would open the country to foreign tourists by resuming short-term travel visas and e-visas from June 1. On June 8, it further relaxed entry restrictions by allowing visitors, regardless of their vaccination status, to enter the country without quarantine.

The South Korean consulate said HKSAR passport or British National (Overseas) passport holders can enter the country for short-term visits - for tourism, business or family - without applying for a visa from next Friday.

"But travelers must apply for K-ETA [Korean electronic travel authorization] and obtain approval in order to board aircraft and ships bound for Korea," the announcement said.

Applications for K-ETA will open on June 30 midnight and will cost 10,000 won (HK$60.60). The K-ETA is valid for multiple entries within the two years from the date of approval.

Before the announcement, people who planned to go to South Korea needed to register online and visit the consulate in Admiralty for a short-term C-3 general visa.

To attract more tourists, the Korea Tourism Organization is also sponsoring HK$300 for each person joining a group tour.

Local tour agency Hong Thai Travel has launched a seven-day group tour to Seoul and Gangwon province, with a price of HK$15,699 a head for a group tour with six or more members.

The agency also offers tour groups for two to three people with a more expensive price of from HK$24,299 per head.

The prices do not include the cost of the seven-day mandatory hotel quarantine when tour members return to Hong Kong.

WWPKG executive director Yuen Chun-ning said his agency will also launch group tour promotions. "But I don't expect to have great responses," he said.

Yuen said no Korean tours from his agency have departed since the country opened up to foreign tourists on June 1, but five tour groups will depart to Japan between June and August. He also said the quarantine hotel rooms in Hong Kong cannot meet the demand for returning tourists as many overseas students will return to the city for their summer holiday.

Meanwhile, the Immigration Department said it has introduced a new Online Assistance Request Form service for Hong Kong residents outside the city to seek help.

Residents in distress or in need of assistance outside Hong Kong may choose to, through the department's homepage or mobile app, submit the form by providing brief contact information and the assistance required. The department will contact them as soon as possible. Residents can download or update the latest version of the app for free.

sophie.hui@singtaonewscorp.com