Simplified-entry-procedures-Korea

Simplified Entry Procedures for Foreign Tourists in Korea to Boost Tourism Spending

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Simplified-entry-procedures-Korea
Simplified entry procedures Korea

 

The Korean government has announced a series of initiatives aimed at simplifying entry procedures for foreign tourists and extending their stay. These measures, part of the ‘Foreign Tourist Activation Plan,’ are designed to enhance the overall visitor experience and stimulate the tourism economy.

Key Announcements

  1. Streamlined Visa Processes: The government will reduce the time required to issue tourist visas by expanding visa review personnel and visa application centers. This will significantly benefit countries with a high number of tourists visiting Korea.
  2. New Visa Programs: A pilot ‘K-Culture Training Visa’ will be introduced for foreign nationals wishing to receive specialized training in K-Pop and other cultural fields. Additionally, a ‘Regional Digital Nomad Visa’ is being considered to attract remote workers who can enjoy local tourism while working.
  3. Enhanced Cruise Tourism: For cruise tourists, the government plans to shorten immigration screening times by installing additional automated inspection booths and extending the operating hours of cruise terminals.

Improved Travel Convenience

To make travel within Korea easier, new direct flight routes will be established, including Busan-Jakarta and Cheongju-Bali, with increased flights on the Daegu-Ulaanbaatar route. A luggage delivery service from major KTX stations to hotels will be expanded, and an ‘Easy Drop’ service will allow tourists to check in their luggage outside the airport before departure.

Digital and Transportation Enhancements

The government will provide multilingual translations on popular domestic map apps, enabling foreign tourists to read reviews of major attractions. Foreign-specific transportation cards, purchasable on arrival flights, will simplify the use of public transport, and additional short-term public transport passes will be introduced in major cities.

Unique Experiences and Shopping

Tourists can look forward to a variety of unique Korean experiences, such as ‘K-Lifestyle’ programs featuring activities like chimaek (chicken and beer) and instant photo booths. To support shopping, products from small and medium-sized enterprises seen in K-dramas and films will be promoted, encouraging tourists to purchase these items during their visit.

Tourism Infrastructure Development

Efforts to attract more tourists include potentially expanding the scope of foreign employment permits in the restaurant sector to alleviate labor shortages and enhancing language support services for tourists from Southeast Asia. The government is also tackling issues like overcharging by vendors to improve the overall perception of Korea as a tourist-friendly destination.

These comprehensive measures are expected to make Korea a more attractive and convenient destination for international tourists, thereby increasing tourism revenue and revitalizing the industry post-pandemic.

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