The Singapore-based marketing technology company China Trading Desk says between 230,000 and 250,000 Chinese tourists will visit Korea over the Lunar New Year period from Feb. 15-23. Shown is the trendy Seongsu-dong neighborhood in Seoul's Seongdong-gu District late last year. (Lee Jeongwoo)

By Xu Aiying

Korea is the top tourist destination for Chinese over Lunar New Year, the biggest holiday in China.

The Singapore-based marketing technology company China Trading Desk forecast that between 230,000 and 250,000 Chinese visitors will flock to Korea over the holiday period from Feb. 15-23, up 52% from last year.

The temporary visa-free policy for Chinese group tourists and the popularity of Hallyu (Korean Wave) are cited as the two key factors behind the rapid surge in Chinese demand for travel to Korea.

When Korea's Yonhap News asked about Beijing's stance on this trend, Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Lin Jian on Feb. 2 told a news briefing, "Continuing to enhance the convenience level of people-to-people exchanges between both countries will help narrow the distance between the people of the two sides and boost mutual understanding and exchange."

"We also welcome many Korean friends to visit China to celebrate Lunar New Year over the holiday period."

xuaiy@korea.kr