Travelers planning a trip to China are gathering in groups at Incheon International Airport. Chinese trips that require a visa are mostly embarked on by middle-aged and older groups as part of group tours.
Ms. Im Sook-ja from Haandong, Gwangmyeong City in Gyeonggi-do says, “We’re going to China because we’ve heard that the Taihang Mountains are wonderful, so we’re going with our acquaintances and their friends for a 4-night, 5-day trip.”
Recently, the Chinese government has implemented visa-free entry for a temporary period for visitors from nine countries, including South Korea, starting today.
Individuals visiting China for business or travel can stay in China for up to 15 days without a visa until next year.
Compared to regions like Japan or Southeast Asia, the recovery from COVID-19 has been slower, but this measure is expected to boost the demand for travel to China.
In fact, immediately following the announcement of visa exemption, domestic travel agency bookings for China tours increased by 65% compared to the previous week.
Mr. Park Jung-nam from Cheonwang-dong, Seoul says, “I haven’t traveled during that time, and since it’s visa-free, we’re planning to gather the family for a trip.”
Travel agencies are actively launching China tour products.
Mr. Lee Yoon-woo, a travel agency official, states, “With the visa-free announcement, we anticipate recovery to pre-COVID-19 levels by the first quarter of next year. We plan to expand package deals and introduce free travel products targeting the 2040 generation.”
The travel industry, which struggled with poor performance even during the summer peak season due to the ‘Timep’ incident, now has the mandate to attract interest in Chinese travel from the younger generation with the good news of visa-free entry.
This is Hwang Bo Hye-kyung from YTN.
Cameraman: Kim Jeong-won
Design: Lee Na-young
Subtitles: Jung Ui-jin, Lee Do-hyung
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