Chinese tourists arrive at Incheon Port International Passenger Terminal in Yeonsu District, Incheon, April 30. Yonhap
A growing number of Chinese travelers are turning Korea into a weekend destination, and tourism officials are moving quickly to capitalize on the trend with new marketing campaigns aimed at encouraging shorter but more frequent trips.
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism said it is strengthening promotions tied to expanded multiple-entry visa programs, highlighting weekend travel, regional tourism and solo travel experiences for visitors from China and Southeast Asia.
Since March 30, Korea and the Ministry of Justice have eased visa requirements for travelers who have previously visited Korea, issuing five-year multiple-entry visas to eligible Chinese and Southeast Asian nationals and 10-year multiple-entry visas to residents of 14 major Chinese cities, the ministry said.
According to data from Korea Visa Application Centers in China, the number of general tourism multiple-entry visas issued in April rose 10 percent from March following the policy change.
