S. Korea to temporarily allow visa-free entry for Chinese group tours

South Korea will temporarily allow visa-free entry for group tours from China starting September 29th just ahead of China's week-long National Day holiday through June next year.

The decision was made on this Wednesday during a government task force meeting on boosting tourism chaired by Prime Minister Kim Min-seok.

The exemption will apply to groups of three or more Chinese nationals traveling with tour agencies designated by South Korea's Culture Ministry.

Since last November China has permitted South Korean nationals to enter without a visa for up to 30 days a policy that is set to end this December.