This is the next-generation electronic passport issued in December 2021. (Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

By Kang Gahui

The country in the second quarter ranked second worldwide in passport power, up one notch from the first.

Henley & Partners, an investment migration consulting company based in London, on July 22 released its latest index saying the Korean passport allows visa-free entry to 190 states, tied for second with Japan.

Korea has remained on the list's top three since placing third in January 2020.

Singapore ranked No. 1 with visa-free entry to 193 countries. Tied for third were Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal and Spain.

Every quarter, Henley & Partners rates visa-free entry for 199 passports from 227 states and territories based on data from the International Air Transport Association.

kgh89@korea.kr