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

For Choi Yu-jin, a 31-year-old Seoul-based fashion designer, the perfect getaway requires three elements: value, spotless streetscapes and unforgettable flavours. And Shanghai, she says, delivers on all counts.Three visits since 2024, with a fourth planned for April, are testament to a city that is increasingly capturing the imagination – and wallets – of South Korean travellers, buoyed by visa-free access and a burgeoning reputation for cosmopolitan appeal.“Restaurants and streets were notably clean. And even upscale dining came at lower prices than in Korea, without compromising on taste,” Choi said.Her experience underscores Shanghai’s continued appeal as one of the most popular destinations for South Korean tourists – a trend boosted by China’s 30-day visa-free entry policy that was introduced in November 2024.The number of South Korean visitors to Shanghai rose from around 570,000 in 2023 to 1.1 million in 2024, before climbing in 2025 by a further 23.6 per cent, year on year, according to data from the country’s aviation information portal.Short flight times, along with affordable food and attractions, helped draw a total of 1.37 million South Korean visitors to the city last year – roughly 43 per cent of all South Korean visits to mainland China, up from 35 per cent in 2024, data showed.