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South Korea Awaits 250,000 Chinese Tourists Amid Tensions

1/28/2026

Summary

Story summary

South Korea expects 230,000 to 250,000 mainland Chinese visitors for the Lunar New Year starting February 15.
The rise follows China–Japan tensions, which have cut Chinese arrivals in Japan by 60%.
South Korea extended visa-free entry for Chinese tour groups and increased flight capacity by nearly 25%.
Spending by mainland visitors is expected to exceed US$330 million.
A petition against the visa-free policy cites rising crime and has 60,000 signatures.

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Story summary

South Korea expects 230,000 to 250,000 mainland Chinese visitors for the Lunar New Year starting February 15.
The rise follows China–Japan tensions, which have cut Chinese arrivals in Japan by 60%.
South Korea extended visa-free entry for Chinese tour groups and increased flight capacity by nearly 25%.
Spending by mainland visitors is expected to exceed US$330 million.
A petition against the visa-free policy cites rising crime and has 60,000 signatures.