China-South Korea visa-free policies drive cross-border travel boom, deepen bilateral ties

South Korea has implemented a temporary visa-free policy for Chinese group tourists from Sept. 29, 2025, to June 30, 2026. It is a reciprocal move to China's earlier policy, under which China rolled out a trial visa-free measure for South Koreans on Nov. 8, 2024.

Data reflects the policy's immediate impact. According to South Korean media, nearly 1.99 million South Korean travelers made trips to China between January and August 2025, marking a 40.6 percent year-on-year increase.

From street-level interactions to conference halls, and from neighborhood exchanges to the international stage, the baton of China-South Korea friendship is being passed on, writing new chapters of win-win cooperation.

Join People's Daily Online reporters as they embark on a cross-border friendship relay journey!