Korea opens door wider to Chinese travelers, but will they come?

HONG KONG — Repeat short-haul visits by Chinese travelers to Korea are expected to rise after Seoul eased multiple-entry visa rules, but analysts say the immediate impact may be limited because of growing competition from Southeast Asia and higher airfares linked to the U.S.-Israeli war in Iran. The Korean embassy in Beijing announced that Chinese nationals who had previously visited Korea would now be eligible for a five-year multiple-entry visa. Those holding residency status in 14 major cities — including Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou — could also apply for 10-year multiple-entry visas, the embassy said this week. Employees of Chinese companies that have invested at least $1 million in Korea were also eligible for 10-year multiple-entry visas. The measures come amid improving bilateral ties, as Beijing and Seoul continue to ease travel barriers. Korea has granted visa waivers to Chinese tour groups of three or more people since September, while China has allowed visa-free entry for Koreans since November 2024. “The new measure is seen as a driving force that could significan

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