South Korea 2026: New Visa-Free Trial and Simplified Travel for Indonesian Tourists

Published on February 26, 2026

Image generated with Ai

For the millions of Indonesians who have spent years binge-watching Hallyu dramas or practicing the latest K-Pop choreography, the dream of walking through the streets of Seoul or the volcanic landscapes of Jeju has often been met with a formidable obstacle: the visa application process. However, 2026 marks a “Golden Age” for Korean culture and, more importantly, a radical shift in how South Korea welcomes its Indonesian friends.

In a bold move to attract 30 million international visitors, the South Korean government has unveiled the “K-Tourism Embraces the World” initiative. For Indonesia, this means more than just a marketing campaign—it means the most significant easing of travel restrictions in decades.

The Visa-Free Trial: Power in Numbers

The most exciting announcement from the February 2026 National Tourism Strategy Meeting is the introduction of a visa-free entry pilot program specifically for Indonesian group tourists.

• The Rule: Groups of three or more travelers can now enter South Korea without a traditional visa for a trial period.
• The Intent: This move recognizes Indonesia’s massive population and its growing middle class, who often travel in family or friend units.
• The Benefit: By removing the individual visa requirement for groups, the government is lowering the administrative and financial barriers that previously deterred larger families from booking a Korean holiday.

Long-Term Access: 5-Year and 10-Year Visas

For those who prefer to travel solo or want the freedom to visit frequently, the new regulations offer unprecedented long-term options. The government has introduced tiered multiple-entry visas to reward frequent visitors and residents of major Indonesian cities:

1. 5-Year Multiple-Entry Visa: Available to Indonesian and Southeast Asian visitors who have previously visited South Korea. This allows for spontaneous trips over half a decade without the need for fresh paperwork.
2. 10-Year Multiple-Entry Visa: In a move aimed at high-value travelers, residents of major Indonesian cities (such as Jakarta, Surabaya, and Bandung) can now apply for a decade-long visa, essentially making Korea a “second home” for the next ten years.

Beyond Seoul: Regional Revitalization

While Seoul remains the heart of the country, the 2026 strategy aims to steer visitors toward the hidden gems of the provinces. To support this, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport is sharply increasing direct international flights to regional airports.

For Indonesians, this could mean more direct routes to hubs like Busan, Daegu, or Jeju, bypassing the busy Incheon terminal. Additionally, the government is expanding late-night airport bus services and allowing for the early booking of KTX high-speed train tickets beyond the usual one-month window, making “local-style” exploration easier than ever.

A Crackdown on “Rip-off” Pricing

Humanizing the travel experience also means ensuring that visitors feel respected and valued. President Lee Jae Myung has declared a zero-tolerance policy on price gouging. Businesses that target tourists with inflated prices or fail to honor listed rates now face immediate suspension.

This initiative, coupled with a new self-reporting pricing system for accommodation, ensures that an Indonesian traveler’s budget goes exactly where it’s supposed to: into experiences, food, and memories, rather than unfair surcharges.

The Road to 2027-2029: “Visit Korea Year”

The 2026 visa changes are just the beginning. They serve as a launchpad for the massive “Visit Korea Year” campaign spanning 2027 to 2029. This period will focus on “lifestyle tourism,” where visitors are encouraged to live like locals.

Indonesian travelers can look forward to curated K-Beauty trails, K-Food tasting tours, and even K-Hiking experiences in the stunning Gangwon and Chungcheong provinces. The goal is to turn K-culture fandom into a deep, repeat relationship with the country.

Looking Ahead

The expanded partnership between the tourism sector and the government reflects a new philosophy: tourism is no longer just about “selling a product”; it’s about “creating precious memories.” For Indonesians, the message from Seoul is clear: the red tape is falling, and the invitation is open.

Whether you are part of a three-person “squad” taking advantage of the visa-free trial or a frequent traveler securing a 10-year pass, South Korea in 2026 is a destination that finally feels as close as it looks on your screen.