Chinese group tourists from Sept. 29 can travel in Korea visa-free for up to 15 days under a temporary program ending on June 30 next year. Shown are such visitors on Dec. 27 last year arriving at Incheon International Airport. (Yonhap News)

By Kang Gahui

Chinese travelers on group tours from Sept. 29 can visit Korea without a visa for up to 15 days under a temporary visa-waiver program ending next year on June 30.

This was reported on Sept. 7 under a plan to that effect jointly announced by the Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Office for Government Policy Coordination.

The exemption applies to tour groups of more than three people set up by travel agencies allowing a visit for up to 15 days. Jeju Island will keep its policy of allowing visa-free entry for both individual and group tourists for 30 days.

Not eligible for this program are tourists classified as high risk who must receive a separate visa.

In anticipation of a large number of Chinese tourists ahead of China's upcoming National Day holidays, Seoul from Sept. 22 will allow advance registration of group tourists a week before the launch of the temporary visa exemption.

The ministries of justice and culture will upgrade the quality of tourism in Korea through registration and designation procedures and training for travel agencies; banning cheap tours and mandatory shopping; and developing high-quality tourism products.

A government news release said, "The temporary visa exemption for Chinese tourists could boost not only domestic tourism but also local economies."

kgh89@korea.kr