South Korea begins visa-free entry for Chinese tourist groups

South Korea began offering visa-free entry for Chinese tourist groups yesterday, a measure it hopes will boost the economy and help improve ties with its Asian neighbor.

As part of the pilot program due to run through until next June, groups of three or more tourists from mainland China will be able to stay without a visa for 15 days.

The action comes ahead of China's National Day holidays from tomorrow to Monday next week, as well as a run of South Korean holidays around the same time.

South Korean companies are seeking to benefit from the increased demand. Shilla Duty Free has organised a Chinese cruise tour and food delivery app Baedal Minjok is introducing payment options in Alipay and WeChat Pay.

The program, announced in March, follows China's decision last November to offer visa exemptions to South Koreans for up to 30 days.

The new administration of South Korean President Lee Jae Myung is hoping to further improve ties with China during an expected visit by

President Xi Jinping last next month to an Asia-Pacific summit in South Korea.

(Reuters)