South Korea Joins China, Japan And More In A Bold Move To Boost Tourism By Granting Visa-Free Entry For Indonesian Travelers And Expanding Access To Other Global Visitors

Published on February 26, 2026

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In a bold move to strengthen its tourism sector, South Korea is joining China, Japan, and other leading global destinations by granting visa-free entry to Indonesian travelers. This new policy aims to streamline access for international tourists and position South Korea as a top destination in Asia. By allowing Indonesian visitors to enter without a visa, South Korea is not only making travel more convenient for this growing market but also signaling its commitment to attracting 30 million international visitors in the coming years. Alongside this, the country is expanding access for other global travelers, including relaxing entry requirements for nationals from China, Southeast Asia, and the European Union, all as part of a broader strategy to bolster tourism and foster cultural exchange.

South Korea has unveiled an ambitious plan to boost its tourism sector by offering visa-free entry to Indonesian travelers as part of a broader strategy to attract 30 million international visitors. This package of measures aims to revitalize the country’s tourism industry by relaxing visa regulations, expanding flight routes to regional airports, and taking a firm stance against price fraud. With these efforts, South Korea is positioning itself as a top destination for global travelers.

Indonesian nationals will be granted visa-free entry under a trial program for groups of three or more travelers. This move is part of a strategic effort to make South Korea more accessible to a larger number of international visitors. Additionally, travelers from China and Southeast Asia who have previously visited South Korea will be eligible for a five-year multiple-entry visa. Furthermore, residents from major cities within these regions can apply for a 10-year visa, making long-term travel to South Korea more feasible.

The government is also working on expanding its automatic immigration gates, which are currently available to citizens of 18 countries, including Japan, Singapore, and Australia. This will soon be extended to citizens of European Union nations. By implementing these changes, South Korea hopes to streamline the arrival process for international travelers and create a more seamless experience for tourists.

These changes were announced at the National Tourism Strategy Meeting on February 25, 2026. Government officials, as well as tourism industry representatives, discussed the country’s evolving approach to tourism. During the meeting, the importance of tourism as a national strategic industry was emphasized. The government sees tourism not just as an economic activity but as an avenue for fostering cultural exchange and creating lasting memories for travelers. The aim is to turn South Korea’s rich cultural heritage into a major draw for visitors, transforming the country’s cultural preferences into tourism attractions.

This initiative aligns with what is being described as South Korea’s “cultural golden age.” With Korean culture gaining global popularity, particularly in the wake of the pandemic, the country is eager to build on this momentum. As the world recovers from the pandemic, South Korea is looking to position itself as a top destination for international tourists. However, despite the positive growth in South Korea’s tourism numbers, the country is facing stiff competition from neighboring Japan, which has seen a surge in foreign visitors.

In 2025, South Korea welcomed over 18 million international visitors, surpassing its pre-pandemic record of 17 million. The country saw a 15% increase in tourist arrivals compared to 2024, signaling a positive recovery. Yet, South Korea continues to trail behind Japan, which set a global tourism record in 2025 with 43 million arrivals, marking a 16% increase from the previous year. Japan’s tourism boom has been partly attributed to the weakened yen, making it a more attractive destination for foreign visitors.

To address this challenge, South Korea is focusing not only on increasing international arrivals but also on encouraging visitors to explore destinations outside of Seoul. The government is working to enhance the accessibility of regional airports by offering special air traffic rights and cost reductions to attract new international flight routes. This initiative aims to provide more direct international flights to regional airports, helping to distribute tourist traffic more evenly across the country.

In addition to expanding international air routes, South Korea is taking steps to improve domestic transportation options. The government plans to introduce more domestic flights between Incheon and regional airports, making it easier for visitors to travel to areas outside of Seoul. Late-night bus services, which are currently limited to just 13 routes in the Seoul area, will be expanded to include other provinces such as Chungcheong and Gangwon. Moreover, South Korea is increasing the availability of KTX high-speed train tickets, allowing tourists to book tickets for travel beyond the current one-month booking window. This will make it easier for tourists to explore the country using public transportation.

South Korea is also looking to further promote tourism through its “Visit Korea Year” campaign, which is set to run from 2027 to 2029. The campaign will feature a variety of lifestyle-based tourism products, including K-beauty, K-food, and K-hiking experiences. These offerings reflect the changing nature of tourism, as visitors are increasingly seeking to live like locals rather than just visit popular landmarks. This shift in tourist preferences aligns with broader trends in global travel, where more and more people are interested in authentic cultural experiences and immersive travel opportunities.

The launch of this comprehensive tourism strategy marks a significant step in South Korea’s efforts to increase its international tourist numbers. By offering visa-free entry, expanding transportation options, and promoting lifestyle-based tourism experiences, the country aims to attract more visitors and boost its economy. As the country looks to the future, it will continue to develop and refine its tourism offerings, ensuring that South Korea remains a top destination for travelers from around the world.

South Korea is joining China, Japan, and other global destinations by granting visa-free entry for Indonesian travelers, aiming to boost tourism and attract 30 million international visitors through expanded access and relaxed entry requirements.

Through these measures, South Korea is not only looking to recover from the pandemic but also to establish itself as a major player in the global tourism industry. By fostering cultural exchange, streamlining travel processes, and offering unique tourism experiences, South Korea hopes to make a lasting impression on international visitors, encouraging them to return and share their experiences with others. The country’s tourism strategy represents a bold vision for the future, and it will be exciting to see how these efforts will shape South Korea’s tourism landscape in the years to come.