China’s visa-free waivers spark Korean travel boom, underpin tourism revival

South China Morning PostCenter-RightEN 1 min read 100% complete by Yeon Woo LeeFebruary 1, 2026 at 01:30 AM
China’s visa-free waivers spark Korean travel boom, underpin tourism revival

AI Summary

short article 1 min

China's visa-free policy, implemented in November 2024, has significantly boosted tourism from South Korea, particularly to Shanghai. The number of South Korean visitors to Shanghai rose substantially, reaching 1.37 million in 2025, a 23.6% increase from the previous year. This surge makes Shanghai the most popular destination in mainland China for South Korean tourists, accounting for 43% of all visits. Factors like short flight times, affordable prices, and the city's cleanliness contribute to its appeal. The visa waiver allows South Koreans a 30-day stay, facilitating increased travel and supporting China's tourism revival.

Keywords

visa-free travel 90% tourism revival 80% south korean tourists 80% shanghai 70% travel boom 60% affordable travel 50% cosmopolitan appeal 40%

Sentiment Analysis

Positive
Score: 0.40

Source Transparency

Source
South China Morning Post
Political Lean
Center-Right (0.50)
Far LeftCenterFar Right
Classification Confidence
90%
Geographic Perspective
Shanghai

This article was automatically classified using rule-based analysis. The political bias score ranges from -1 (far left) to +1 (far right).

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